Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
We are working with other state agencies and the federal government to ensure services through the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Return to this page for the latest information.
Governor’s Executive Orders create flexibility to serve vulnerable Minnesotans during COVID-19 pandemic: Governor Tim Walz granted the Minnesota Department of Human Services emergency temporary authority to change administrative and regulatory requirements for food assistance, home care, public health care and other state programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Find a complete list of temporary waivers and program modifications.
Updates for health care workers, license holders, county and tribal workers, grantees and other program administrators
Expect instructions for partners related to actions and process changes through regular communication channels including email messages and websites.
COVID-19 change your situation?
Are you receiving services now, or would you like to see what help is available, given the COVID-19 emergency? Find out what programs and services are available through DHS.
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We have seen daily changes in the state's response to COVID-19. To stay abreast of changes and their impacts to people who DHS serves and supports, sign up for email updates.
Latest news
Changes made by Minnesota Legislature to fund COVID-19 response
The Minnesota Legislature approved the following investments recommended by Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan to address the needs of vulnerable Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bulletin released: Targeted case management changes for face-to-face contact requirements
Policy modification to targeted case management services to temporarily allow telephone and video-conferencing in place of in-person face-to-face contact during the COVID-19 pandemic.
DHS allows 90-day supply of prescription maintenance medications for public health care enrollees
DHS has received federal approval to temporarily cover up to a 90-day supply of many noncontrolled prescription maintenance medications for public health care program enrollees.
FAQs: Peacetime Emergency Child Care Grants
As part of their COVID-19 Response Supplemental Budget proposal, Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan proposed $30 million in funding for emergency grants for licensed child care providers serving essential workers during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Child care providers and educators themselves are expressly listed as essential.
Federal actions affecting human service programs
President signs Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
March 27, 2020 — President Trump has signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act into law. This legislation is the third stimulus package developed by Congress to combat COVID-19. Some congressional leaders have already signaled their intent to develop a fourth package in the foreseeable future.
DHS Commissioner letter to federal legislators
March 20, 2020 — Commissioner Jodi Harpstead writes to Minnesota's delegation to Congress to offer suggestions needed to help prevent the pandemic from disproportionately impacting the health and economic security of Minnesota's most vulnerable residents.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act
March 18, 2020 — The Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed into law to provide emergency assistance related to COVID-19. The legislation includes several provisions to increase access to food assistance through SNAP and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) as well as expanded coverage for diagnostic testing and treatment.
National emergency declared March 13
March 13, 2020 — President Trump declared a national emergency due to COVID-19. According to his remarks, the declaration will “open up access” to $50 billion additional dollars to help states prepare for and combat the pandemic. President Trump also announced that he will allow HHS to waive certain regulations and laws to expedite the delivery of testing and medical services.
Public charge determinations
U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that testing, treatment, and preventive care related to COVID-19 will not be included in public charge determinations. USCIS issued the notice to “address the possibility that some aliens impacted by COVID-19 may be hesitant to seek necessary medical treatment or preventive services.” USCIS also plans to include vaccines (if one is developed) in its definition of “preventive care.”
Recent executive orders
Securing Federal Authority to Continue Programs
March 20, 2020 — Executive Order 20-11 authorizes the DHS commissioner to seek federal authority to temporarily waive or modify certain requirements for federal economic support, health care and other programs to ensure they continue to provide support to Minnesota families.
Preserving Access to Human Services Programs
March 20, 2020 — 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.
Coordinating agencies
Minnesota Department of Health
The Minnesota Department of Health coordinates the state's response to COVID-19. Find preparation recommendations, read the latest updates about virus containment and access resources for employers and health care providers at MDH.
Minnesota State Emergency Operations Center
The Minnesota State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) coordinates statewide news updates. The SEOC Hotline has activated to answer questions regarding Governor Walz’s executive order about statewide school closures through March 27. Staff from the departments of Education and Human Services will answer calls from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Metro: 651-297-1304, Greater Minnesota: 1-800-657-3504
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Notice
Notice about recent data breaches impacting some DHS clients and employees