Democrats in the Minnesota House of Representatives blocked legislation that would clean state Medicaid rolls, remove Medicaid eligibility for noncitizens, and codify Medicaid work requirements. That legislation would bring Minnesota into conformity with federal law.
Last year, Republicans in Washington, D.C. passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3). Among its many provisions, OB3 authorized new work requirements for Medicaid eligibility and prohibits noncitizens such as refugees and asylees from enrolling in Medicaid.
Further, OB3 requires states to check the Death Master File on a quarterly basis to remove deceased individuals from Medicaid. The Death Master File is a Social Security database.
On Wednesday, Minnesota lawmakers in the House Health Committee considered two bills that would ensure state law conforms with the Medicaid provisions of OB3. Both of those bills are authored by GOP Rep. Danny Nadeau.
Nadeau warned the committee that nonconformity could result in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) withholding funds. Nadeau also said CMS could demand reimbursements if nonconformity leads to Minnesota issuing improper Medicaid payments.
