SF4054 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Eligibility for the MinnesotaCare program to eliminate eligibility for undocumented noncitizens modification
Related bill: HF4038
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
Explain how the MinnesotaCare program would change to restrict eligibility to U.S. citizens, nationals, and certain lawfully present noncitizens, while phasing out eligibility for undocumented noncitizens.
Main Provisions
- Eligibility eligibility baseline:
- MinnesotaCare would be available only to citizens or nationals of the United States and to lawfully present noncitizens as defined by federal regulations (45 C.F.R. 155.20).
- Undocumented noncitizens would be ineligible for MinnesotaCare.
- Definition of undocumented noncitizen:
- An undocumented noncitizen is someone living in the United States without the approval or acquiescence of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Documentation requirements for families with U.S. citizen children:
- Families must cooperate and provide satisfactory documentary evidence of citizenship or nationality according to the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-171).
- Temporary eligibility for certain lawfully present individuals:
- Eligible persons can include families and individuals who are lawfully present but ineligible for medical assistance due to immigration status, with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, except they may be eligible for emergency medical assistance under Minnesota rules (emergency medical assistance under section 256B.06, subdivision 4).
- Transition rule for undocumented noncitizens aged 18+:
- For purposes of this subdivision, enrollment in MinnesotaCare for undocumented noncitizens who are 18 years old or older is limited to those who were enrolled as of June 15, 2025.
- Final cutoff for undocumented noncitizens:
- Notwithstanding the above, undocumented noncitizens aged 18+ would be ineligible for MinnesotaCare beginning January 1, 2026.
Transitional Provisions / Timing
- Those undocumented noncitizens who were enrolled by June 15, 2025 can remain eligible only through the transitional period (until January 1, 2026).
- Starting January 1, 2026, undocumented noncitizens aged 18+ become ineligible for MinnesotaCare, even if they were previously enrolled, subject to any limited transitional enrollment allowed by the June 15, 2025 date.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Broad removal of MinnesotaCare eligibility for undocumented noncitizens.
- Clear definition tying eligibility to U.S. citizenship/national status and to lawfully present noncitizens per federal rules.
- Introduction of documentation requirements for families with citizen-based eligibility (per the Deficit Reduction Act).
- Creation of a narrow, time-limited exception for those already enrolled by a specific date, followed by a general ineligibility for undocumented noncitizens after a set date.
Effects and Implications
- Reduced eligibility for MinnesotaCare among undocumented noncitizens, with a phase-out that ends in 2026.
- Continued eligibility for certain lawfully present individuals up to 200% FPG, including some with immigration status issues, but only if they qualify under the lawfully present category and the emergency medical assistance provision.
- Increased administrative requirements for verification of citizenship or nationality for families with citizen children.
Relevant Terms - MinnesotaCare - undocumented noncitizen - citizen or national of the United States - lawfully present noncitizen - 45 C.F.R. 155.20 (federal definition reference) - Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-171) - emergency medical assistance (EMA) - 256B.06 subdivision 4 (EMA authority) - 200% of federal poverty guidelines (200% FPG) - enrollment as of June 15, 2025 - January 1, 2026
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 02, 2026 | Senate | Action | Introduction and first reading | ||
| March 02, 2026 | Senate | Action | Referred to | Health and Human Services |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Explicitly limits eligibility to citizens, nationals, and lawfully present noncitizens as defined by CFR 45 CFR 155.20.",
"Defines undocumented noncitizen and notes ineligibility."
],
"removed": [
"Removes prior eligibility provisions for undocumented noncitizens."
],
"summary": " Amends Minnesota Statutes to limit MinnesotaCare eligibility to United States citizens and nationals and to lawfully present noncitizens, excluding undocumented noncitizens.",
"modified": [
"References federal definitions and aligns MinnesotaCare eligibility with the Deficit Reduction Act framework."
]
},
"citation": "256L.04",
"subdivision": "subdivision 10"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Creates an emergency medical assistance pathway under 256B.06, subdivision 4 for certain low-income, lawfully present individuals."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Clarifies that individuals who are lawfully present but ineligible for medical assistance due to immigration status may be eligible for emergency medical assistance if income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.",
"modified": [
"Expands MA-related emergency assistance by carving out eligibility for EMS for specific immigration-status scenarios."
]
},
"citation": "256B.06",
"subdivision": "subdivision 4"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cites federal regulation used to define 'lawfully present noncitizens' for MinnesotaCare eligibility.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "45 CFR 155.20",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "References the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 in shaping citizenship/nationality evidence requirements for MinnesotaCare.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "Public Law 109-171",
"subdivision": ""
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee