HHS APPROVES MINNESOTA PLAN TO SIMPLIFY ENROLLMENT
FOR MEDICAID-ELIGIBLE AMERICAN INDIANS TO ENROLL

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced the approval of an amendment to Minnesota's Medicaid state plan that will make it easier for American Indians applying for Temporary Assistance to Needy Family (TANF) programs to also apply for Medicaid.

The amendment will, for the first time, allow tribes that operate tribal TANF programs to determine and redetermine Medicaid eligibility for individuals who apply for both programs. Under this approach, American Indian families will be able to apply for TANF and Medicaid at one location and with one application.

"Minnesota's amendment shows how important it is for the federal government to support innovations in state Medicaid programs," Secretary Thompson said. "This arrangement makes it possible for American Indians to apply at one familiar and convenient place for both TANF and Medicaid."

The amendment approved today will allow Minnesota to contract with tribes operating TANF programs. These tribes will be able to make Medicaid eligibility decisions for American Indians and members of their households who apply for or participate in tribal TANF. The state will supervise the tribes' Medicaid activities to the same extent as other agencies. This responds to tribal interest in providing a one-stop process to determine Medicaid and TANF eligibility for tribal members and their families.

Previously only state or county agencies were authorized to make Medicaid eligibility decisions. Since tribes can administer TANF programs, the state option provides an opportunity for tribes to make the Medicaid eligibility determination to better serve their members.

###

Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.