Coverage of chiropractic services under medical assistance and MinnesotaCare modified.
If enacted, HF1429 would significantly impact the way chiropractic services are reimbursed under state-funded health programs in Minnesota. It would standardize the coverage by clearly delineating which services are eligible, potentially enhancing access to necessary chiropractic care for individuals reliant on medical assistance or MinnesotaCare. This shift could promote a more favorable perception of chiropractic care, which has often faced scrutiny regarding its necessity and effectiveness.
House File 1429 aims to modify the coverage of chiropractic services under medical assistance and MinnesotaCare in Minnesota. The bill proposes that medical assistance covers chiropractic services, which would be limited to one annual evaluation and up to 24 visits per year unless prior authorization is obtained for a greater number. Additionally, the bill outlines that covered services include spinal manipulation, therapeutic exercise, and extraspinal manipulation by licensed chiropractors, ensuring that these services are deemed medically necessary within the context of a chiropractic treatment plan.
However, there are notable points of contention surrounding this bill. Critics may argue that limiting the number of visits to 24 per year, even with the option for prior authorization for additional visits, may restrict access for patients who require more frequent chiropractic interventions. Furthermore, questions may arise regarding the definition of 'medically necessary' services and who determines this necessity, raising concerns about gatekeeping and patient autonomy in choosing their healthcare options.