Federal Requirement Changes, Delays and Open Enrollment Period Created ‘Perfect Storm’ for ND Human Services

Federal requirement changes, delays and open enrollment period created ‘perfect storm’ for ND human services

GRAND FORKS — Changes to federal program requirements, the U.S. government shutdown and Medicaid’s recent open enrollment period led to a substantial backlog of applications at North Dakota human services agencies, according to the director of the Grand Forks County Human Service Zone. “This is a point in time that we’re going to get past, and it’ll get to the point where we’re caught up and people are asking for work, and looking for it,” Tammy…

Local Representatives Concerned Over Proposed Changes to State Human Services

The 2026 Minnesota legislative session is still underway, and lawmakers are currently focused on committee hearings, bill introductions, and policy proposals. Last week, Gov. Tim Walz proposed major changes to the state’s Department of Human Services that included eliminating the use of Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) in the Medicaid program…