MN HF685

Adds violence prevention services as a covered benefit under Minnesota Medical Assistance (Medicaid), effective January 1, 2026

Eligible recipients must have received medical treatment for injuries from community violence or experience physical/mental illness symptoms from violence exposure, and be referred by a physician based on elevated risk of future violent injury

Providers must be accredited by the Health Alliance for Violence Intervention or equivalent organization, with supervisors having at least two years of experience providing violence prevention services

Payment rate set at minimum $25 per 15-minute unit of service, with annual inflation adjustments beginning January 1, 2027, based on the Medicare Economic Index

Commissioner of Human Services must submit reports to the legislature by February 1, 2028 (initial) and February 1, 2029 (final) on program effectiveness, including return on investment, client goals met, and whether repeat violent injuries decreased