A proposed House bill aims to make mental health case management and community support services more accessible by lowering eligibility barriers for individuals with severe mental health conditions.
The measure, HF2143, seeks to amend the Adult Mental Health Act, broadening the criteria for individuals classified as having a serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) to qualify for vital case management services. The House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee reviewed the bill on Wednesday and set it aside for potential inclusion in a larger legislative package.
Key Changes in the Bill
Under the proposed legislation, eligibility requirements would be modified in several ways:
Reducing the hospitalization threshold from two hospitalizations to one within the past 12 months.
Expanding the list of qualifying diagnoses to include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related PTSD.
Extending the eligibility period for individuals who have been civilly committed, from three years to five years.
Addressing Barriers to Care
Bill sponsor Rep. Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley (DFL-Brooklyn Park) emphasized that the proposal is designed to increase access to mental health services, particularly for individuals in rural and underserved communities.
“This bill is about strengthening our mental health system with compassion, common sense, and equity,” Momanyi-Hiltsley stated. “It is designed to remove barriers that prevent people from accessing the care they need to stay well.”
Supporters argue that investing in case management early will prevent individuals from needing more costly emergency or inpatient services later on.
“Case management is an investment on the front end that pays massive dividends on the back end,” said Rep. Kim Hicks (DFL-Rochester).
Financial Concerns for Counties
While many support the bill’s intent, some county officials worry about the financial burden the expanded services could place on local governments.
“Case management services are not funded by the state, rather counties pay the non-federal share for the services,” said Jamie Hayes, director of human services for Le Sueur County. “If the Legislature chooses to expand the population served by adult mental health initiatives, we would also encourage a proportional increase in funding for those services.”
Momanyi-Hiltsley acknowledged these concerns and noted that discussions with county officials are ongoing to refine the bill.
Additional Provisions
Beyond expanding mental health case management, the bill proposes several other reforms, including:
Extending audio-only telehealth services under Medical Assistance for an additional three years.
Increasing reimbursement rates for protective transportation services.
Establishing grants for early intervention programs, including an early episode bipolar disorder program and a first episode of psychosis grant program.
As the bill moves forward, lawmakers will continue debating how to balance expanded mental health access with financial sustainability for counties tasked with implementing the changes.
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