House passes Rep. Liebling bill to increase COVID-19 vaccine payment rate for MA enrollees

House DFL logo

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today the Minnesota House passed legislation, authored by Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL – Rochester), to raise the payment rate for administering COVID-19 vaccinations to Medical Assistance (MA) enrollees. Administration of COVID-19 vaccines is more complex than other vaccines such as the flu shot, resulting in higher costs for providers. The bill takes advantage of recent federal action to give providers the higher rate available under Medicare.

“As more doses of COVID-19 vaccines become available, this bill takes advantage of the American Rescue Plan passed by Democrats in the U.S. Congress to help more Minnesotans get vaccinated,” Rep. Liebling said. “Some of the COVID vaccines have unique requirements, including very cold storage. This bill will help cover costs for pharmacies, clinics, and other providers, with the goal of increasing the number of providers administering the vaccine as supplies increase.”

The rate currently paid for Medical Assistance enrollees is $12.84 per dose. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently updated the Medicare rate to an average of $40 per dose. Under the American Rescue Plan, the federal government will provide 100% matching funds for COVID-19 vaccine administration to MA enrollees at the higher Medicare rate.

The bill next goes to the Minnesota Senate for its consideration. Video of the floor session will be available on House Public Information Services’ YouTube channel.

House HHS Finance Chair Liebling encourages health care organizations to apply for emergency coronavirus funding

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has opened the application window for health care organizations to apply for part of $50 million in emergency funding to cover immediate needs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL – Rochester), the chair of the House Health and Human Services Finance Division, was chief author of the planning, preparation, and response package that lawmakers approved last week, and she encourages providers to apply quickly.

“I thank MDH officials and staff who have worked so hard to quickly develop this grant mechanism and get this money out to health care providers that need it immediately. We know the needs are significant,” Rep. Liebling said, “I hope hospitals, clinics, long-term care providers, ambulance services and other providers will apply for grants that will be critical for their operation to continue, slow the spread of this disease, or respond to the needs of sick patients.”

As part of the application materials, organizations must confirm they are an eligible provider, briefly describe the eligible uses of funds for which they are requesting funding, and provide a budget. They are also asked to prioritize their needs in case MDH isn’t fully able to fund every request. Continue reading “House HHS Finance Chair Liebling encourages health care organizations to apply for emergency coronavirus funding”

Rep. Liebling applauds Gov. Walz executive orders providing flexibility for DHS services

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, Governor Tim Walz issued executive orders to ensure critical services continue for the state’s most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Order 20-11 authorizes the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to seek federal authority to temporarily waive or modify certain requirements for federal programs, including the Minnesota Family Investment Program, Medical Assistance, and MinnesotaCare, to ensure these programs continue providing necessary support to Minnesota families.

Executive Order 20-12 allows DHS to temporarily issue waivers or modifications to state requirements to ensure that their services can be delivered to Minnesotans safely and without undue delay, protecting vulnerable Minnesotans and those who care for them. DHS provides health care coverage, programs, and services for over 1 million Minnesotans, including groups likely to be significantly impacted by COVID-19 such as older adults, individuals who have disabilities, families with children, and individuals with mental illness.

Rep. Tina Liebling, chair of the House Health and Human Services Finance Division, issued the following statement:

“The services many vulnerable Minnesotans rely on are still necessary during the global pandemic. DHS and their partner organizations need flexibility to deliver these services. Lawmakers worked diligently across party lines and with Governor Walz’s administration to reach consensus on giving DHS this emergency authority. Our work is reflected in what the Governor announced today. I thank Governor Walz and DHS Commissioner Harpstead for their leadership. Today’s executive order will help ensure that services for people with disabilities, mental health support, childcare, housing, and other critical public health programs and services can continue. We will keep working to ensure that all Minnesotans can be safe, healthy, and well during this challenging time.”

Rep. Tina Liebling announces December 2nd committee hearing with DHS Commissioner Harpstead

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Representative Tina Liebling (DFL-Rochester), chair of the Health and Human Services Finance Division, today announced a committee hearing on Monday, December 2nd at 10 a.m. in the State Office Building, Room 200.

During the hearing, Department of Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead will talk about the findings of her 90-day review of the agency and how she plans to move forward, and answer questions from legislators.

In a letter dated September 4, 2019, Speaker Melissa Hortman communicated her intention to give the new DHS commissioner 90 days to investigate the issues she sees in the department, and then report on what she has discovered, and provide her recommendations on how to proceed. December 2nd marks the 91st day since the commissioner’s hiring and her first opportunity to communicate her findings.

What:  Committee hearing to discuss Commissioner Harpstead’s 90-day review of DHS
When:  Monday, December 2, 2019,  10:00 AM
Where:  State Office Building, Room 200, 100 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard., St Paul, MN 55155