Minnesota House Bill HF1175

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/23
• Refer: 2/1/23
• Refer: 3/13/23

Caption

Medical assistance coverage modified for special education school social work services.

Impact

The proposed changes are expected to significantly impact how local school districts manage mental health services within their curricula. By authorizing a broader range of covered services—including care coordination and crisis assistance—HF1175 could lead to improved mental health outcomes for students requiring additional support. Moreover, the inclusion of treatment plans developed by educational professionals will facilitate better integration of services within the existing educational framework.

Summary

House File 1175 modifies existing statutes related to medical assistance coverage for special education school social work services in Minnesota. It aims to enhance accessibility and reimbursement for critical mental health services provided to students in special education programs. By amending section 256B.0625 of the Minnesota Statutes, the bill removes certain barriers to coverage, ensuring that qualified school social workers can provide essential services without facing prior authorization requirements for reimbursement, thus streamlining the process for schools and students.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding HF1175 include concerns regarding funding and local versus state governance over educational service provisions. Critics argue that imposing specific health-related service requirements and potential cost-based structures for reimbursement may unduly burden local districts, particularly those with limited resources. Proponents contend that the flexibility offered by removing prior authorizations will empower school districts to respond more proactively to the mental health needs of their students.