Minnesota House Bill HF284

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/25
• Refer: 2/10/25

Caption

Information collected and scope of background check conducted expanded for noncitizen permit to carry applicants.

Summary

HF284 amends MinnesotaCare eligibility rules to make undocumented noncitizens explicitly ineligible for the program. The bill revises Minnesota Statutes section 256L.04, subdivision 10, to state that MinnesotaCare is available only to U.S. citizens or nationals and lawfully present noncitizens, and it adds a definition of “undocumented noncitizen” as a person residing in the United States without the approval or acquiescence of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The bill also retains existing language requiring families with citizen or national children to cooperate in providing documentary proof of citizenship or nationality. The bill preserves the current provision allowing certain lawfully present noncitizens who are ineligible for Medical Assistance because of immigration status to qualify for MinnesotaCare if their income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. It also notes that such individuals may still be eligible for emergency medical assistance under another statute. The effective date is the day after final enactment.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would narrow MinnesotaCare eligibility by codifying a categorical exclusion for undocumented noncitizens and clarifying the immigration-status requirements in state law. It would affect applicants and enrollees seeking subsidized health coverage through MinnesotaCare, while leaving intact coverage pathways for U.S. citizens, nationals, and certain lawfully present noncitizens. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 256L.04, subdivision 10, and would take effect immediately after final enactment.

Sentiment

The available record shows the bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Health Finance and Policy, but there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided. Based on the text alone, the bill appears to reflect a restrictive approach to public health coverage eligibility tied to immigration status. Because no discussion or vote history is included, there is no documented legislative sentiment beyond the bill’s introduction and referral.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely the exclusion of undocumented noncitizens from MinnesotaCare, which would limit access to state-subsidized health insurance for that population. Supporters would likely frame the bill as clarifying eligibility and restricting benefits to citizens, nationals, and lawfully present noncitizens, while opponents would likely argue it reduces access to health care for undocumented residents and could increase uncompensated care or public health concerns. No specific committee members, advocacy groups, or recorded objections are included in the provided materials.