Minnesota Medicaid, SCHIP, & Federal Authority

SCHIP Section 1115 Waiver – In 2001, Minnesota received approval under a Section 1115 waiver [1] to use Title XXI funds to cover parents and caretaker relatives of Medicaid and State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)-eligible children with family incomes between 100 percent and 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). These individuals are subject to premiums established on a sliding scale.  This is a component of the state’s MinnesotaCare program.

 Medicaid Section 1115 Health Reform Demonstration – In 1995, Minnesota received approval to implement the Minnesota Prepaid Medical Assistance Project Plus (PMAP+) Section 1115 Health Reform Demonstration [2]. Through this initiative, children and pregnant women with incomes up to 275 percent of the FPL who were previously covered under the state-funded MinnesotaCare program became part of a Medicaid waiver component of the MinnesotaCare program.  Under subsequent modifications of the waiver, Medicaid waiver coverage in MinnesotaCare is available to parents in families with gross incomes up to 275 percent of the FPL (but not above $50,000 per year).  These individuals are subject to premiums based on a sliding scale.  In Minnesota, individuals who are eligible for Medicaid may instead choose to join MinnesotaCare and pay a premium.