St. Paul, MN -- Governor Walz today issued executive orders to safeguard critical services for the state’s most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Order 20-11 authorizes the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to seek federal authority to temporarily waive or modify certain requirements for federal programs, including the Minnesota Family Investment Program, Medical Assistance, and MinnesotaCare, to ensure these programs continue providing necessary support to Minnesota families.
Executive Order 20-12 allows DHS to temporarily issue waivers or modifications to state requirements to ensure that their services can be delivered to Minnesotans safely and without undue delay, protecting vulnerable Minnesotans and those who care for them. DHS provides health care coverage, programs, and services for over 1 million Minnesotans, including groups likely to be significantly impacted by COVID-19 such as older adults, individuals who have disabilities, families with children, and individuals with mental illness.
Representative Kelly Morrison (DFL-Deephaven), a practicing physician and vice chair of the House Health and Human Services Policy Committee released the following statement:
“Now more than ever, we must be responsive to the health needs of our most vulnerable. I applaud Governor Walz’s action and collaboration with the Department of Human Services to ensure that the critical services thousands of Minnesotans depend on will continue. We have to take care of each other during this uncertain time and I look forward to finding more solutions to help our impacted residents.”
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