SF 1956

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 03/10/2021 03:52pm

A bill for an act
relating to human services; modifying the child care assistance program; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 119B.13, subdivision 1.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 119B.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Subsidy restrictions.

(a) The maximum rate paid for child care assistance
in any county or county price cluster under the child care fund shall be the greater of the
25th percentile of the deleted text begin 2018 deleted text end new text begin most recent new text end child care provider rate survey or the rates in effect
at the time of the update. For a child care provider located within the boundaries of a city
located in two or more of the counties of Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns, the maximum
rate paid for child care assistance shall be equal to the maximum rate paid in the county
with the highest maximum reimbursement rates or the provider's charge, whichever is less.
The commissioner may: (1) assign a county with no reported provider prices to a similar
price cluster; and (2) consider county level access when determining final price clusters.

(b) A rate which includes a special needs rate paid under subdivision 3 may be in excess
of the maximum rate allowed under this subdivision.

(c) The department shall monitor the effect of this paragraph on provider rates. The
county shall pay the provider's full charges for every child in care up to the maximum
established. The commissioner shall determine the maximum rate for each type of care on
an hourly, full-day, and weekly basis, including special needs and disability care.

(d) If a child uses one provider, the maximum payment for one day of care must not
exceed the daily rate. The maximum payment for one week of care must not exceed the
weekly rate.

(e) If a child uses two providers under section 119B.097, the maximum payment must
not exceed:

(1) the daily rate for one day of care;

(2) the weekly rate for one week of care by the child's primary provider; and

(3) two daily rates during two weeks of care by a child's secondary provider.

(f) Child care providers receiving reimbursement under this chapter must not be paid
activity fees or an additional amount above the maximum rates for care provided during
nonstandard hours for families receiving assistance.

(g) If the provider charge is greater than the maximum provider rate allowed, the parent
is responsible for payment of the difference in the rates in addition to any family co-payment
fee.

(h) All maximum provider rates changes shall be implemented on the Monday following
the effective date of the maximum provider rate.

(i) deleted text begin Beginning September 21, 2020, deleted text end The maximum registration fee paid for child care
assistance in any county or county price cluster under the child care fund shall be the greater
of the 25th percentile of the deleted text begin 2018 deleted text end new text begin most recent new text end child care provider rate survey or the
registration fee in effect at the time of the update. Maximum registration fees must be set
for licensed family child care and for child care centers. For a child care provider located
in the boundaries of a city located in two or more of the counties of Benton, Sherburne, and
Stearns, the maximum registration fee paid for child care assistance shall be equal to the
maximum registration fee paid in the county with the highest maximum registration fee or
the provider's charge, whichever is less.