Minnesota unveils Waiver Reimagine plan for equitable service budgeting

The Minnesota House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee convened on March 19, 2025, to discuss significant changes to the state's waiver programs aimed at improving service delivery for individuals with disabilities. The proposed initiative, known as "Waiver Reimagine," seeks to overhaul the current budgeting system, which has been in place for over two decades.

One of the primary changes involves implementing individual budgets based on a person's assessed needs and the typical costs of their services. This new approach will replace the existing lead agency-based budgeting, which has been criticized for its complexity and reliance on case managers. Under the current system, funding is often tied to the county or tribal agency, making it challenging for individuals in smaller communities to receive adequate support.

The Waiver Reimagine initiative aims to empower individuals by granting them access to their personal information, including budgets and service options. This transparency is intended to help individuals make informed decisions about their care and support. The initiative also addresses concerns about the variability in funding based on geography, ensuring that individuals receive consistent support regardless of where they live in Minnesota.

Another key aspect of the proposed changes is the enhancement of self-direction options. Currently, individuals must choose to self-direct all or none of their services, limiting their flexibility. The new system will allow individuals to self-direct some or all of their services, promoting greater choice and control over their care.

The committee emphasized the importance of community engagement in shaping these changes. Ongoing outreach efforts have included focus groups and surveys to gather feedback from individuals currently receiving services, as well as from diverse communities. The Waiver Reimagine Advisory Committee, established in 2021, continues to play a crucial role in guiding the implementation process.

As the initiative moves forward, the committee plans to recalibrate budgets based on new assessment data and engage with the community to develop a user-friendly web portal for accessing service information. The timeline for outreach regarding recalibrated budgets is set for mid-2026, with the goal of launching the new system thereafter.

Overall, the Waiver Reimagine initiative represents a significant shift in how Minnesota supports individuals with disabilities, aiming to create a more equitable and user-friendly system that prioritizes the needs and preferences of those it serves.