SF 837

as introduced - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 02/23/2012 09:24am

A bill for an act
relating to human services; requiring the commissioner to recommend a
plan to establish a single public health care program; simplifying eligibility
and enrollment processes; automating systems; requiring a report; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256.014, by adding a subdivision.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256.014, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Simplification of eligibility and enrollment process. new text end

new text begin (a) The
commissioner shall partner with counties, a service delivery authority established under
chapter 402A, the Office of Enterprise Technology, and other state agencies and service
delivery partners to simplify and streamline human services eligibility and enrollment
processes. Primary objectives for the simplification effort include significantly improved
eligibility processing productivity resulting in reduced time for eligibility determination
and enrollment, increased customer service for persons applying for and receiving
services, increased program integrity, and greater administrative flexibility.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall develop a service-oriented business architecture for
a fully automated medical, cash support, food support, and child care eligibility and
enrollment process that aligns with and supports the business processes and technology
tools of any developed health insurance exchange. The commissioner shall use the
eligibility and enrollment business architecture to create an integrated and collaborative
service delivery framework for evolving or maintaining existing information technology
and acquiring new information technology. The agency's plan and program for creating
the business architecture and integrated service delivery framework shall include counties,
service delivery authorities, the Office of Enterprise Technology, collaborative partners,
and end users in the delivery of human services and the governance of these efforts.
Governance will include an Enterprise Architecture Board which shall be chaired by the
commissioner's chief information officer or chief architect.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner's chief information officer or chief architect shall ensure
agency compliance with the prompt, efficient, and effective implementation of the
provisions in this subdivision. The chief information officer or chief architect, along with
at least one of the county representatives appointed by the Association of Minnesota
Counties, shall report to the legislature on implementation progress every six months
beginning January 15, 2012.
new text end

new text begin (d) The chief information officer or chief architect shall work with the Minnesota
Association of County Social Service Administrators and the Office of Enterprise
Technology to develop collaborative task forces to support implementation of the
provisions in this subdivision. Specific mandated projects included as part of an integrated
eligibility and enrollment service delivery framework include, but are not limited to the
following.
new text end

new text begin (1) The commissioner shall develop an applicant screening tool to determine
potential eligibility as part of the online application process. This provision shall be fully
operational by January 1, 2012.
new text end

new text begin (2) The commissioner shall use electronic databases to verify application and
renewal data as required by law. Exceptions to electronic verification shall be limited and
defined by the commissioner. This provision shall be fully operational by July 1, 2012.
new text end

new text begin (3) The commissioner shall create a self-service Web site which will allow
individuals to apply for services, renew eligibility, and access online accounts. Online
accounts shall be accessible by applicants, enrollees, and third parties acting on behalf
of applicants and enrollees. At a minimum, online accounts shall contain date of
application, application data, status of eligibility determinations, premium and spend down
amounts and due dates, recertification dates, and required verifications and supplemental
information. This provision shall be fully operational by July 1, 2012.
new text end

new text begin (4) The commissioner shall create a statewide electronic document management
system architecture that provides for seamless electronic transfer of all documents
required for eligibility and enrollment processes. All entities processing eligibility and
enrollment within the state shall use the electronic management system to accept and
transfer eligibility and enrollment documents. Processing entities include the state,
counties, service delivery authorities established under chapter 402A, any health insurance
exchange, and authorized third parties. The electronic document management system
architecture must interface with existing document management systems and automated
eligibility systems. Documents produced by the agency must contain bar codes that must
be used by all entities processing eligibility. This provision shall be fully operational
by January 1, 2013.
new text end

new text begin (5) The commissioner shall create recertification forms preprinted with name, case
number information, eligibility data, and a bar code for use with the statewide electronic
document management system. This provision shall be fully operational by January
1, 2013.
new text end

new text begin (6) The commissioner shall create a statewide interactive voice response system that
provides case information for applicants, enrollees, and authorized third parties. This
provision shall be fully operational by January 1, 2014.
new text end

new text begin (7) The commissioner shall create a centralized customer contact center that
applicants, enrollees, and authorized third parties can use to receive program information,
application assistance, and case information, report changes, make cost-sharing payments,
and conduct other eligibility and enrollment transactions. This provision shall be fully
operational by January 1, 2014.
new text end

new text begin (e) The provisions in paragraph (d) shall be fully integrated as part of any automated
eligibility system. The commissioner shall seek federal financial participation to fund
development of the automated eligibility system.
new text end

new text begin (f) In order to support an integrated service delivery framework, create maximum
efficiencies, increase transparency, and reduce consumer confusion on health care options,
the commissioner shall make recommendations on simplifying current Minnesota health
care programs to one program. This program must have clearly defined bright-line
eligibility standards and consistent rules, administrative processes, technology, and
infrastructure support that align with federal standards, rules, and administrative processes.
An established minimum federal poverty guidelines base shall be consistent with the 2014
minimum federal eligibility standard of 133 percent of the federal poverty guidelines
for medical assistance. Recommended program design must include benefit design,
service delivery, and cost sharing. Recommendations must also include financing options,
including a proposed reallocation of the Health Care Access Fund. The commissioner
shall seek input from Minnesota health care program service delivery stakeholders and
present recommendations to the legislature by January 15, 2012.
new text end