April 16, 2026
RE: SF 4476 – Human Services Omnibus Budget Bill
Chair Hoffman and Members of the Committee,
The Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) serves as an advisor and liaison between Minnesotans with disabilities and the legislature. Our mission is to advance a barrier-free Minnesota through policy, training, and technical assistance.
MCD writes in support of key provisions in SF 4476, particularly those that strengthen continuity of care and improve service delivery.
We appreciate the committee’s leadership in including continuity of care protections in Article 1. These provisions:
- Establish a continuity of care team within DHS
- Ensure coordination with lead agencies and case managers
- Require timely notification and person-centered contingency planning
- Clarify provider responsibilities during transitions
- Prevent service disruptions by requiring coordination before payment holds or suspensions
Together, these measures improve coordination, transparency, and accountability—and most importantly, ensure that fraud prevention efforts do not disrupt essential services for Minnesotans with disabilities.
MCD also supports several additional provisions in the bill:
- MnCHOICES improvements (Article 2): Creating a state assessment team and redesign work group addresses delays and inconsistencies that have impacted timely access to services.
- Case management reforms (Article 2): Establishing a work group and rate study allows for thoughtful, stakeholder-driven improvements, particularly given county capacity constraints.
- Given longstanding concerns about reduced budgets, transparency, and potential impacts on community-based services, MCD supports postponing implementation to allow for meaningful engagement with the disability community before proceeding.
While we support the bill overall, we note one concern: Provisions limiting CADI and BI waiver eligibility to those with the highest needs may result in individuals losing access to services. We strongly encourage sufficient notice and continuity-of-care transition supports for those affected.
In closing, we commend the committee’s work to strengthen continuity of care and improve service quality. We look forward to continued collaboration to ensure these provisions remain in the final bill.
Sumukha Terakanambi (he/him)
Public Policy Consultant
Minnesota Council on Disability
Sumukha.terakanamb@state.mn.us
Joel Runnels, PhD
Legislative Affairs Director
Minnesota Council on Disability
Joel.Runnels@state.mn.us