Minnesota House Bill HF2202

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/23
• Refer: 2/27/23

Caption

Health Care Affordability Board and Health Care Affordability Advisory Council established, monitoring of and recommendations related to health care market trends required, health care spending growth target program established, civil penalties provided, and transfers of funds required.

Impact

This bill significantly impacts state laws related to health care by creating a structured approach for monitoring health spending and establishing guidelines on growth targets. It aims to reduce the rate of increase in health care spending within the state while promoting equitable access to health services. The Health Care Affordability Board will be operational by January 1, 2024, and will be tasked with establishing annual health care spending growth targets and ensuring the implementation of performance improvement plans for health care entities that exceed these targets.

Summary

House File 2202 establishes the Health Care Affordability Board and the Health Care Affordability Advisory Council in Minnesota. The main goal of this legislation is to monitor health care market trends and provide recommendations to ensure affordable, equitable health care access for all Minnesotans. The Board will establish spending growth targets, monitor health care delivery and payment reform, and improve the overall quality and value of health care services. Additionally, it will report to the legislature and the public on its findings and progress.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HF2202 may arise related to the enforcement mechanisms that include civil penalties for health care entities that fail to comply with established growth targets. Critics may argue that the penalties could disproportionately affect health care providers, especially in rural areas where resources are limited. Additionally, there could be concerns regarding the potential for bureaucratic overreach by the new Board in regulating health care practices, which may be viewed as a threat to local control and provider autonomy.