Bill > SF3149

This bill establishes the County-Administered Rural Medical Assistance (CARMA) program, a new alternative to the existing Prepaid Medical Assistance Program (PMAP) specifically designed for rural counties. The program aims to provide a county-owned and county-administered health care option that better integrates health care, public health, and social services in rural communities, taking into account the unique characteristics of these areas with fewer enrollees and local health care providers. Eligible individuals in participating rural counties will be automatically enrolled in CARMA but can opt out or choose fee-for-service medical assistance. The program will cover all standard medical assistance benefits and, starting in 2030, may include health-related social needs (HRSN) benefits like housing, food, transportation, utilities, and safety support. The bill requires the commissioner of human services to develop a payment mechanism for county entities, including full-risk monthly capitation payments, risk corridors, and a collaborative rate-setting process. Counties will work with the state to establish quality measures focusing on enrollee experience, population health, health equity, and healthcare spending. The program is set to become effective on January 1, 2027, and the commissioner is directed to seek necessary federal waivers to implement CARMA, ensuring that the program can be tailored to meet the specific needs of rural communities while maintaining comprehensive health care coverage.

Health and Social Services

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF3149&ssn=0&y=2025