As of July 3, 2025
Like many of our clients, Northwoods Law Group, P.A. is monitoring the changes to the Medicaid program being discussed and voted on at the federal level, as well as discussions at the state level regarding how our programs here may change. Medical Assistance (MA) is a program that administers federal Medicaid dollars along with state funds in Minnesota. The federal changes will affect Minnesota’s ability to provide services through its Medical Assistance program, but we do not yet know how.
We know that for many of our clients, this is a very frightening and stressful time. While there is certainly cause for concern, no one’s MA benefits will be terminated immediately due to this legislation.
As of July 3, 2025, the bill anticipates Medicaid funding cuts taking effect by the end of 2026. Changes in federal funding and requirements will cause Minnesota’s legislature to revisit our Medical Assistance laws to 1) comply with new federal requirements, and 2) to adjust for reduced funding from the federal government.
Medical Assistance provides essential health coverage and services to children, pregnant people, low-income adults and families, adults and children with disabilities, and elders who require care services at home, in assisted living or skilled nursing facilities. Despite its broad reach, many Minnesota legislators do not have a good understanding of Medical Assistance, who benefits from the program, and how essential those benefits are to Minnesota families. We strongly recommend that you reach out to your state representatives in the Minnesota Senate and House using the resources below, and tell them why your Medical Assistance benefits are important to you.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates when we know what changes will take place.
What you can do:Find your legislators here:LCC-GIS : Who represents me?
Suggested Language from the National Academy for Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA):
Dear Representative/Senator [Last Name]:
As [an older adult AND/OR an individual with a disability] living in [city/town name], I want to urge you to vote against the harmful cuts to [Minnesota’s Medical Assistance program contemplated as a result of the Big Beautiful Bill].
These cuts will have a devastating impact on my life and affect my family as well. As one example, requiring states to determine every six months instead of every 12 months if I am still eligible for Medicaid will present a significant barrier to me. Gathering the required documents every six months to prove that I should remain eligible for Medicaid means [I will need to ask someone for help so I can access the documents OR I will need to ask someone for help to upload or file the documents OR I will need more reminders to ensure I file the documents on time and remain on Medicaid]. This may not sound like much, but it will make a real difference in my life. I am not an example of “waste, fraud, and abuse” — I’m simply a person who wants to stay on Medicaid to receive the health care I need without my family or me worrying about completing a lot of redundant paperwork every few months to do so.
I hope you will consider people like me when deciding how to vote on this bill. It will have real-life implications for me and other constituents. I strongly urge you to vote against it. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Mailing Address]
[Your Phone Number]
Northwoods Law Group, P.A.: Together, we are able. | Minneapolis, MN | www.northwoodslawgroup.com | 952-295-1059