HHS Approves Waiver Allowing Minnesota American Indian Tribes with TANF Programs To Determine Medicaid Eligibility

HHS has approved a Medicaid waiver that will "make it easier" for American Indians in Minnesota who apply for the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program to also apply for Medicaid. Through the waiver, tribes that run their own TANF programs will be allowed to determine Medicaid eligibility for tribe members who apply for both TANF and Medicaid. Formerly, only state or county agencies could make decisions regarding Medicaid eligibility. HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson said, "This arrangement makes it possible for American Indians to apply at one familiar and convenient place for both TANF and Medicaid." Under the waiver, Minnesota will contract with tribes operating TANF programs and will supervise the tribes' Medicaid activities (HHS release, 8/16). For further information on state health policy in Minnesota, visit State Health Facts Online.