Kathy – Yes, this is great news for many clients across MN! One caveat is that I believe the increase of allowed hours from 275 to 310 is a permanent change.

David or Kevin – can you confirm?

Late in the evening on Wednesday October 14^th the MN House passed Special Session Five House File 1, which is a large bonding bill with tax and spending provisions included. The bill was then sent to the MN Senate, where it was passed early this afternoon (Thursday October 15^th). The bill will now be sent to Governor Walz for his expected signature in the coming days at which point the bill will become law. The bill was amended to include three provisions related to Minnesota’s Personal Care Assistance program. The three changes include: 1) a temporary increase in the number of hours a month a PCA can work from the current limit of 275 to a new limit of 310; 2)a temporary allowance for a spouse or parent to be reimbursed for providing PCA services; and 3) a temporary rate increase of 8.4 percent for PCA services. These changes will need federal approval. The exact changes can be found on lines 158.13- 164.20 of the bill.

While the increase in hours will be effective the day following enactment (when the Governor signs), the other two changes will also require federal approval.

Be Well,

Kathy Messerli

Executive Director

Minnesota HomeCare Association

2550 University Ave. W.,  Ste. 350 S | St. Paul, MN 55114-1900

Direct: 651.635.0038 | Main: 651.635.0607

Toll-free: 866.607.0607 | Fax: 651.635.0043

www.mnhomecare.org | kmesserli@mnhomecare.org

Mission: MHCA represents and supports Minnesota home care providers committed to high quality home care services.

Vision: MHCA will shape the home care landscape to improve and sustain quality home care services.