NAMI Minnesota

NAMI Minnesota We champion justice, dignity, and respect for all people affected by mental illnesses.

Too many people with mental illnesses enter jail already stabilized on medication, only to have that treatment interrupt...
06/23/2026

Too many people with mental illnesses enter jail already stabilized on medication, only to have that treatment interrupted once they are in custody. The result can be devastating.

The Larry R. Hill Medical Reform Act was created to address a tragic reality: people can suffer serious harm when prescribed medications are suddenly discontinued during incarceration. While concerns were raised about how the law would be implemented, the law includes important safeguards that allow medical professionals to exercise clinical judgment while helping ensure continuity of care.

The new law was quickly met with a lawsuit that stirred up the never-ending tension over inmates and health care.

The already complicated process of applying for or renewing Medicaid coverage (known as “Medical Assistance” or “MA” in ...
06/23/2026

The already complicated process of applying for or renewing Medicaid coverage (known as “Medical Assistance” or “MA” in Minnesota) will be more complex and difficult to navigate, especially for people with mental illnesses. The 2025 Congressional Budget Reconciliation Bill - H.R.1, aka the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, made sweeping changes to the Medicaid program. One of the biggest changes under the new law is that most adults without dependent children who qualify for Medicaid based on their income (also known as the “Medicaid Expansion” group) will be subject to work reporting requirements starting in 2027. This same group will also need to renew their Medicaid coverage every six months, rather than once a year. Medicaid is the largest payer of mental health services in our state, and these changes will directly harm Minnesota's mental health system.

The law passed by Congress explicitly recognized that work reporting requirements were not appropriate for many people with mental health and substance use challenges. However, the new rules issued last week require someone not just to have a certain condition (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar) but also to show that the condition impairs their ability to work. The rules also limit the state's ability to allow people to self-attest, instead requiring them to gather and submit evidence of a condition that prevents them from working. These new rules are much more restrictive than anyone expected and deeply harmful.

The new rules would create barriers that will cause eligible people to lose access to healthcare, including critical mental health services.

A new Human Rights Watch report details the far-reaching impact that Operation Metro Surge had on Minnesota communities,...
06/22/2026

A new Human Rights Watch report details the far-reaching impact that Operation Metro Surge had on Minnesota communities, documenting not only the effects of enforcement actions but also the lasting toll on mental health, community trust, and feelings of safety. The report describes widespread fear, anxiety, trauma, and disruptions to daily life, including access to health care, education, and other essential supports.

When entire communities live under prolonged stress and fear, the mental health consequences extend far beyond those directly affected. Families, children, neighbors, and entire communities can experience anxiety, grief, isolation, and trauma that may last long after a crisis has ended.

Mental health must be part of the conversation as Minnesota continues to recover. Healing requires more than addressing immediate needs—it requires investing in community support, culturally responsive mental health services, and trauma-informed care so that individuals and families can rebuild a sense of safety, connection, and hope.

A new Human Rights Watch account details Operation Metro Surge’s reign of terror.

Address

1919 University Ave West, Suite 400,
Saint Paul, MN
55104

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16516452948

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when NAMI Minnesota posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category