Damon Leivestad Direct Care Sustainability Act

SF 1127, the Damon Leivestad Direct Care Sustainability Act, modifies Minnesota's medical assistance program to directly support employed people with disabilities aged 65 and older. It eliminates asset limits (previously $3,000 individual/$6,000 household) and medical assistance premiums for this group, while establishing new enhanced payment rates for community-based direct care services and supports. The bill also creates "employment incentives asset accounts" allowing these individuals to save up to $17,000 in nonexcluded assets without affecting eligibility. These changes aim to improve financial stability for working people with disabilities and strengthen payment structures for direct care providers. The bill affects approximately 10,000 employed Minnesotans with disabilities aged 65+ and the community care workforce serving them.