County-administered rural medical assistance program established; payment, coverage, and eligibility requirements for the CARMA program established; and commissioner of human services directed to seek federal waivers.

HF 2955 establishes the CARMA program (County-administered Rural Medical Assistance), allowing Minnesota counties to manage local medical assistance for low-income residents instead of the state. The bill requires the state commissioner of human services to involve county boards in developing contracts with health plans, including incorporating county-suggested local health goals into contracts if agreed upon. It sets a deadline of January 1, 2027, for counties with existing prepaid medical assistance programs to transition to county administration if they submit a proposal. The bill also creates a mediation process to resolve disputes between counties and the state over contract terms or local health goals.