Fall 2007

Update on Recent Health Reform Activities in Minnesota: Health Reform Activity

This document summarizes Minnesota's 2007 Legislative changes , ongoing initiatives, and further study/development. The 2007 Legislative changes included changes in insurance coverage, information technology, and primary care payment systems. Changes will also occur in the mental health service system.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) began implementing mental health reform legislation that includes a new special needs plan for Medicare/Medicaid-eligible individuals who are disabled due to serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI). In 2009, the state will offer consumers with disabilities a Medicaid prepaid health plan called Preferred Integrated Networks (PIN). A request for proposals is expected February 2008. The RFP will seek three PIN prepaid health plans that together are to cover at least 40% of the states Medicaid population as of January 1, 2009

The PINs will be partnerships between health plans and community human service departments. The partnerships will create a social model health maintenance organization (HMO) that will be at risk for all health, pharmaceutical, mental health, and social services offered. The PINs will combine funding from many sources using a braided funding methodology.