Three-year-old Emilio couldn’t help but smile at the National Adoption Day festivities – including a magician and hours of play time – at the Minnesota Children’s Museum in St. Paul in late November. Hosted by Ramsey County, the event celebrated the adoption of children from the foster care system. Last year, families adopted 1,263 foster children, more than ever before. Yet, 905 children are still waiting for “forever families.” To learn more, visit the department’s adoption webpage.

Minnesotans who rely on MinnesotaCare for affordable health care coverage should complete their annual renewal form to ensure coverage into the New Year. 

DHS has several resources available to members in the renewal process. A webpage at mn.gov/dhs/health-care/renewal includes frequently asked questions, a video and a checklist to walk members through the renewal process. Members can also call the MinnesotaCare help line at 800-657-3672 or 651-297-3862 Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The Minnesota State Demographic Center estimates that by 2024, there will be 3.1 million jobs available and only 2.7 million working-age adults. Work-authorized refugees and asylees can help fill vacancies. Learn more about the hiring process for refugees and asylees in a department brochure (PDF).

Uniform preferred drug list went into effect July 1:

• Simplifies pharmacy benefits for providers and people with Medicaid and MinnesotaCare coverage
• Reduces therapy disruptions when people switch health programs and plans.

Learn more.

Crisis Text Line is Minnesota’s new text-based suicide prevention and mental health crisis service. Text MN to 741741 to be connected with a trained counselor who will help you and connect you to local resources. Crisis Text Line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in all parts of the state. Read More.