[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6637598,"mediaKeyId","2580356-fb27e2fdcf7f1ad6707ee4344ae6fe8f","parentId",2580356,"title","Coauthors outline directed-payment plan to draw federal Medicaid dollars for hospitals","audioSeconds",1937,"startMs",4271000,"endMs",6208000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2580356-fb27e2fdcf7f1ad6707ee4344ae6fe8f&start=4271&end=6208","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2580356-fb27e2fdcf7f1ad6707ee4344ae6fe8f/thumbnail_4271000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6637598/Minnesota/Coauthors-outline-directed-payment-plan-to-draw-federal-Medicaid-dollars-for-hospitals","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6637598-2f3bc8fa9ea2189857d19e57b8dc9fd4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770993923&Signature=j-CUzWH-qPomgTnH8P9tXf79fz5O0FE6xzgPK~zunkqi-6oYTXpfMG2ku2m2dGdgEhY3268tdeZpI4-nrSrOYt3oyVdFCjzvlJn23m-6BWygC8IHKhucjIQVC~M5lkHISbW5ONUFuWaGVrgBkc7TgTDPVj1-BguegeKAPO2uNzKJe04OlQfzfwGKn4BT9ONesVo4PWyW-XbETTAKlNgsoS13edG6tgjzj~Lo65xh62Vt9TjFoX9inSXz257x8qYe8W~B3TZZFQ9iwFL9bgKTkBvVrBbvUKFh0wB75ttFOQ-wHwS-k-c9fVVvpBe47dMlbZeo3owlWNtZZTkh~l-kTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Minnesota Legislature","date","2025-03-12T22:56:31.13Z","article","Note: During the hearing Representative Biermann and Representative Nadeau co-presented House File 2057, a proposal to establish a hospital assessment and a directed payment program to draw additional federal Medicaid funds in order to increase reimbursements to hospitals.

Coauthor Representative Biermann described the purpose and scale of the bill: hospitals would fund a state share through a broad-based assessment on inpatient and outpatient hospital revenue; DHS would claim federal matching dollars and return directed Medicaid payments to hospitals through managed-care plans. “On average, for every 40¢ the hospital community puts in, they will receive 60¢ in additional federal dollars up to the allowable federal cap,” Biermann said, and speakers estimated Minnesota could capture an additional $1 billion in federal Medicaid funding if the program is implemented and approved by CMS.

Representative Nadeau and hospital representatives described operational details and safeguards in the bill: quarterly assessments with timelines to minimize lag between assessment and payments; provisions for new/merged hospitals; dispute-resolution mechanics so hospitals can review managed-care claims used to calculate payments; annual consultation between DHS and the Minnesota Hospital Association; and an annual legislative review requirement. The Minnesota Council of Health Plans asked for timeline changes (requesting 30-day maximum payment windows rather than shorter windows in initial draft language) and cautioned against penalties for delays outside plan control.

Hospital CEOs from rural and urban systems testified about urgent financial stress: Community Memorial Hospital's CEO Rick Brewer described service-line closures and strong Medicaid exposure for labor and delivery, and North Memorial CEO Trevor Swalish said underpayments for Medicare/Medicaid totaled roughly $187 million annually for his system and warned that insufficient reimbursement threatens service continuity and the system’s ability to absorb losses.

Representatives and hospital association staff acknowledged the bill's technical complexity and said DHS, Minnesota Hospital Association, managed-care plans and consultants (Health Management Associates) will work together to refine methodology. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill; authors and DHS said further drafting and federal application work is needed before the program could be implemented and before federal match dollars could be claimed.

Why it matters: Supporters argued the directed-payment model can stabilize hospital finances without a state general-fund outlay by using a hospital-funded state share to attract federal Medicaid matching dollars; authors and stakeholders said similar programs operate in many states and CMS has approved comparable programs.

Next steps: The committee laid HF2057 over for further work; authors and DHS will continue to refine legal language, operational timelines, and federal-approval strategy.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/12/25","oneSentenceSummary","Coauthors presented House File 2057 proposing a hospital assessment to fund a Medicaid-directed payment program intended to draw federal match dollars and raise medical-assistance reimbursements to hospitals.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota","taxId",77817,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6637603,"Lawmakers hear HB1100 as pharmacists and patients warn of rising pharmacy deserts",1101,2207000,3308000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2580356-fb27e2fdcf7f1ad6707ee4344ae6fe8f&start=2207&end=3308","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2580356-fb27e2fdcf7f1ad6707ee4344ae6fe8f/thumbnail_2207000.jpg","/articles/6637603/Minnesota/Lawmakers-hear-HB1100-as-pharmacists-and-patients-warn-of-rising-pharmacy-deserts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6637603-373929d1f1b939389a873a76f643bf7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770993923&Signature=YB6UfdEv0w9qjjTVCYWr5xAFp~AHJEGSkToxgrmUMSKP0i6d06PNRyQw4jkootoSUdA9ZHWq9H7AxXT~VM3K2zU1lImW~d9mb7tE2wDlp~QWEK9zM1sDaBQY5f0cMEYTKmHLfg4m75jt9U9uuBNfR9RpXzIIpn4QZyE72K6fqIjNO7PEQUxPDuNjKpmk3gDwGfu4uBheQn3O4E9CfHve0Yp-AOlYc2v6S0GMKsgiifRtrF0DVPJezcs5lYXQHQ2U~vcVus5N1yU33vIVNt63vR35nfOCwGVLIreyewSsjagp~KqUpBjcMbg9qks9EfZkHBm4uyDM1yrtGGaIfNEMnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Bonner presented House File 1100 to the Health Finance and Policy Committee on March 12, describing the bill as a \"critical lifeline\" for Minnesota community pharmacies facing unsustainable dispensing reimbursements.

Pharmacists, pharmacy owners and industry groups testified about closures and patient impacts. Jessica Astrup Arret, a third-generation pharmacist who operates 12 community pharmacies, said Minnesota has lost many pharmacies and that independent outlets serve entire counties where closure would create long travel distances. \"We need a lifeline. We need something quick,\" she said, describing situations in which staff drive to administer injectable medications or patients lose access to sliding-scale cash programs after closures.

Independent pharmacy owners and advocates described broad trends: Andrew Russell and John Hessian provided detailed examples and a data extract showing tens of thousands of claims filled below operational cost at one pharmacy. Testifiers and the Minnesota Farmers Union linked the closures to pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reimbursement practices and urged short-term aid while larger PBM reforms are developed. Health plans' representative Chelsea Olsen said plan members share concern about low MA reimbursement levels and asked for clarifying changes to reduce administrative burden and align payment timelines with industry standards.

Representative Bonner moved and the committee adopted an A1 author's amendment to correct a drafting detail; the chair laid HF1100, as amended, over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill. Committee members noted multiple policy options exist, including proposals to run more prescription payments through fee-for-service Medicaid or broader PBM reforms.

Why it matters: Witnesses said pharmacy closures are affecting rural counties and urban neighborhoods, disrupting patient access to medication, vaccinations and in-person counseling. Several members and witnesses called the bill a short-term bandage while structural PBM reforms are developed.

Next steps: HF1100, as amended, was laid over for possible omnibus inclusion; staff and authors will likely work on fiscal details and possible coordination with other proposals.","House File 1100 would create a temporary dispensing-reimbursement lifeline for qualifying community pharmacies to address closures driven by low reimbursements from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), testifiers said. The committee heard bipartisan support and multiple pharmacy owners described large losses on Medicaid and commercial claims.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6637609,"Bill would require state maternal death reviews to ensure regular reporting, backers say",338,1671000,2009000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2580356-fb27e2fdcf7f1ad6707ee4344ae6fe8f&start=1671&end=2009","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2580356-fb27e2fdcf7f1ad6707ee4344ae6fe8f/thumbnail_1671000.jpg","/articles/6637609/Minnesota/Bill-would-require-state-maternal-death-reviews-to-ensure-regular-reporting-backers-say","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6637609-8f94dfdff85ca06615a938e7014c6b42/orig.mp4?Expires=1770993923&Signature=TeIeUMmaL0c1jUBsBWgmiaA1OZRaYSfJoJSw~ehTQJfHM6bENXqbiZFpHgMvzBCW4vbqYHtYpcYopyVWNogCdScdJWH8AqiyLQHwnALTjFUOSPFx9QZoSLhJdBsJteDqPPyJIj50jHnPhDSdzCv69QcWIZ0Lfzqr3WM5GO0~b6rsEObUJNrpHoDuBvuub9yk-25TkXRaHZiIb5QXKri0QYnwIkcQ5HUuG-EC1QuWvWmFyeV9FLvMkdpeLCG94lbjs75fsAizXT2Jf45HgCQN~2bQ6Z~iu1tJu9tSpNrY8C64vYAO4koymXwYrqB0hUetinDzA8J2jWQU0wH47N7VFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Agbaje presented House File 1105, as amended, which would require the commissioner of health to conduct maternal death studies, to the Health Finance and Policy Committee on March 12.

Proponents said consistent maternal mortality review work produces higher-quality case narratives and actionable recommendations. Jennifer Almanza, a midwife and obstetric nurse leader who co-chairs the state Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC), told the committee the MMRC has improved Minnesota’s data systems over the last six years, published two reports and will release a five-year aggregate report. Almanza asked the committee to change the bill language from “may” to “must” to protect ongoing MMRC work and momentum.

Representative Agbaje and others cited disparities in maternal mortality: data from 2017–2019 show Black mothers were 2.3 times and Native American mothers about four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white mothers, and roughly 40% of deaths occurred in rural Minnesota. Lawmakers discussed timing and cadence of reporting; the author said the amendment would create a set timeline for reporting and the Senate has a companion provision that would make reporting annual.

Public testimony was limited to proponent experts and no public opposition was recorded. The committee laid HF1105, as amended, over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill; Representative Bierman moved and the committee adopted the A1 author’s amendment during the hearing.

Why it matters: Advocates said regular, mandated maternal death review reporting helps identify trends and disparities and supports recommendations such as extending postpartum Medicaid coverage and expanding access to medications for opioid use disorder.

Next steps: The author will work with Senate counterparts on timing and the bill was laid over for possible omnibus inclusion.","House File 1105 would require the commissioner of health to conduct maternal death studies (MMRC), changing language from discretionary to mandatory to maintain consistent data collection and support prevention recommendations, supporters told the committee.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6637612,"Grand Marais provider asks legislature to reclassify part of nursing home as hospital to restore reimbursements",102,860000,962000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2580356-fb27e2fdcf7f1ad6707ee4344ae6fe8f&start=860&end=962","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2580356-fb27e2fdcf7f1ad6707ee4344ae6fe8f/thumbnail_860000.jpg","/articles/6637612/Minnesota/Grand-Marais-provider-asks-legislature-to-reclassify-part-of-nursing-home-as-hospital-to-restore-reimbursements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6637612-e7373b9d39d099d2bda22deeb964a4e2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770993923&Signature=l~7Bc2qvTKubpriaQ3NtjVzlyV27MEV5Ws0W~-OIRoCamzAjHhUcaJuD2ehpWeS4MfuXFx0hHbmT6aLD1VgjLdZjA9dBokt6fGjWXHGNDER3OX7n4U~pbYHkz3kRitN1BdcpigMJ35QiPc1AL5vq0onirj4Kwl5OrPfbPD3zNPwZDurcCjLy7dfOKST7fmS5zk4-0W-xVXc8cohG5R68IogJNqbZzHf6LEnnvPvZMBJY64-BEw3ysbgL-rzYuPUCxYfNDxYVVDMzK93a6QEE4iYvMth1IZ08lqHgNrLlu8zqJMBOTthfhu1qpvWVqNC6uEtNafHPtfp9rqMyNH2~ew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Roger Scribe presented House File 1912 and called Kimber Rolstead, CEO and administrator of North Shore Health in Grand Marais, to testify about financial losses at the hospital and attached nursing home.

Rolstead told the committee the nursing home has operated at a steady loss for decades — averaging about $1.5 million annually and exceeding $2 million in the current year — and that reimbursement rules force cost shifting between hospital and nursing-home cost centers. She asked the committee for a targeted legislative change that would allow Medicaid to reimburse swing-bed care at a hospital-level swing-bed rate rather than a nursing-home case-mix rate by reclassifying half of the facility on paper as a hospital unit. “There will be no cost to the state of Minnesota,” Rolstead said, explaining the request is intended to adjust internal accounting and reimbursement rather than expand services.

Committee members asked technical and federal-approval questions. Representative Bierman asked DHS to comment on whether such a change would require a federal waiver or CMS approval. Elise Bailey, budget director for the Minnesota Department of Human Services, said DHS would need to work further with the author and the facility because the department had not previously done this exact type of rate reclassification and federal approval would be required. Rolstead said she had already met with CMS and state agencies and that other states (North Dakota, Hawaii, Kansas, Montana) use similar approaches.

Members stressed the hospital’s role in the community: North Shore Health operates a critical access hospital with 16 beds, a nursing home with 37 licensed beds, emergency services and ambulance responses, and is the only skilled nursing facility in Cook County, meaning residents would otherwise travel two hours or more for care. Representative Scribe and several members urged DHS to continue working with the facility to find a solution.

The chair laid HF1912 over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill; the committee did not adopt a statutory change in this hearing.","North Shore Health CEO Kimber Rolstead testified on HF1912 seeking a legislative change to reclassify half of a nursing home unit as hospital swing-bed care to increase Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement and keep the only skilled nursing facility in Cook County open.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6637617,"Committee hears bill to add metachromatic leukodystrophy to Minnesota newborn screening panel",121,184000,305000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2580356-fb27e2fdcf7f1ad6707ee4344ae6fe8f&start=184&end=305","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2580356-fb27e2fdcf7f1ad6707ee4344ae6fe8f/thumbnail_184000.jpg","/articles/6637617/Minnesota/Committee-hears-bill-to-add-metachromatic-leukodystrophy-to-Minnesota-newborn-screening-panel","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6637617-cd3aa0150fea80b9718a6fb2ea2bf66e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770993923&Signature=Vsi20OFP0ozKEQKEVjnfbJjBsiSyAJrr4SVpvwabu3UlfOrI2zRVGutuhslpdxjGMXMCUrFirq0vdjelBrRKgY-WnUxkl43f-HgRtoby7xpkTiTnS8tCeoL6G4p9PDb8aikKo5P6CdYeOw33oh2urEgDfozCXePxjwiTJOxw9Z0yDE8psYDxGlKoozPmP8UxzI0pFV8ay~rOF7wzSS0CM8huYxhQI7JWmmunGz7VsFyLeHYq59A9PDYsPLgv2hJFqVYczOrAt7IOXEjVdOm6FG1AS~~Hxz~HlvEA1pGAmmbDu-SsadTk6EsKg33rd7CunOqcdKoFDUhO3VzeUNhC9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Torkelson presented House File 1029 to the Health Finance and Policy Committee on March 12, urging the panel to add metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) to Minnesota's newborn screening panel.

The bill's supporters said early identification through newborn screening would allow presymptomatic infants to receive recently developed treatments. “No child should ever suffer the way Chloe did,” Erica Barnes testified, describing her daughter's diagnosis and death from MLD and asking the committee to \"please pass this bill and add MLD to the newborn screening panel.\" Jennifer Braun, a nurse practitioner and clinical director at the University of Minnesota, described clinical experience in which families often learn of MLD only after an older sibling becomes symptomatic; she told the committee that presymptomatic patients could benefit from cellular therapies.

The committee discussed alignment with federal and state screening lists. Representative Biermann asked whether Minnesota follows the federal recommended panel; Representative Torkelson responded that Minnesota generally follows the federal list but can and occasionally does add conditions beyond the federal recommendation. He said MLD had recently come close to Minnesota's list and was under re-examination.

No formal public opposition appeared in the record and the chair laid HF1029 over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill. The committee did not take a final vote on the substantive policy in this hearing.

Why it matters: Witnesses emphasized that MLD can be rapidly progressive and that newer treatments are effective only if given before irreversible neurologic decline. Adding MLD to the screening panel would change the timing of diagnosis from symptomatic presentation to the newborn period for some families, potentially enabling treatment.

Next steps: The chair laid the bill over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill; further committee action or adoption into larger legislation would be required for the change to take effect.","A bill (HF1029) to add metachromatic leukodystrophy, a rare but treatable neurodegenerative disorder, to Minnesota's newborn screening panel was presented to the House Health Finance and Policy Committee. Family members and clinicians urged early detection so presymptomatic children can access available therapies.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Coauthors outline directed-payment plan to draw federal Medicaid dollars for hospitals

Lawmakers hear HB1100 as pharmacists and patients warn of rising pharmacy deserts

Bill would require state maternal death reviews to ensure regular reporting, backers say

Grand Marais provider asks legislature to reclassify part of nursing home as hospital to restore reimbursements

Committee hears bill to add metachromatic leukodystrophy to Minnesota newborn screening panel