Journal file photo by Fritz Busch Brown County Human Services Director Anne Broskoff pictured above, told Brown County commissioners Tuesday that county human services staff met the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) application processing timeline goal of processing 95% or more of regular SNAP applications within 30 days from Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2024.

NEW ULM — Brown County Human Services Director Anne Broskoff had a dose of good news to report to Brown County commissioners Tuesday.

“We are pleased to report that Brown County met the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) application processing timeline goal of processing 95% or more of regular SNAP applications within 30 days from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024,” she said.

“This reflects the continued dedication of our staff to timely application processing, a trend we have maintained since 2021. Only 42 of Minnesota’s 87 counties achieved this benchmark in 2024,” said Broskoff.

She said notable 2025 changes include expanded eligibility for MinnesotaCare — a health coverage program for low-income individuals and families without access to employee-sponsored health insurance and do not qualify for Medical Assistance. Enrollees pay a monthly fee based on income, family size and other factors.

On Jan. 1, 2025, MinnesotaCare eligibility expanded to include individuals regardless of their citizenship or immigration status, provided they meet all other criteria including being below 200% of federal poverty guidelines — about $30,000 a year for individuals. Previously, the program was limited to U.S. citizens, lawfully present non-citizens and recipients of DACA — deferred action for childhood arrivals, a U.S. immigration policy allowing some individuals with unlawful presence in the U.S. after being brought to the country to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and becoming eligible for a U.S. work permit.

Brown County Welfare Fraud Investigator Preston Cowling said most collections program funds come from medical assistance — a health care program for low-income Minnesotans.

From September 1994 through Dec. 31, 2024, the Brown County Collections program recovered $7,956,400. One fourth of that figure, $1,989,100 was returned to Brown County.

Detox collections follow with all of a $1,003,583.80 recovery coming back to Brown County. Total collections of $10,299,393.13 over 30 years brought $3,726,536.96 to Brown County.

Cowing said fraud prevention has become more challenging in recent years. From July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, the county investigation completed an average of 5.25 cases per month.

“On behalf of county constituents, thank you for your work,” said Commissioner Brian Braun.