Minnesota House Bill HF1935

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23

Caption

Commissioner of commerce required to conduct an evaluation of existing statutory health benefit mandates under process set forth in Minnesota Statutes, section 62J.26; and money appropriated.

Impact

This bill has the potential to impact a number of existing health benefit mandates by scrutinizing their relevance and effectiveness under current legislative frameworks. By mandating regular evaluations, the bill may lead to adjustments in the state's approach to health care regulations, potentially streamlining the requirements for insurance providers and health care entities. Such changes could have implications for both providers and consumers of health insurance, influencing the availability and scope of health benefits in Minnesota.

Summary

House File 1935 requires the Commissioner of Commerce to evaluate existing statutory health benefit mandates. This evaluation is intended to determine which mandates would qualify as a 'mandated health benefit proposal' as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 62J.26. The bill stipulates that at least five statutory provisions must be evaluated each year, allowing the commissioner to prioritize which provisions to review based on their assessment criteria. Funding is allocated from the general fund for the costs incurred during these evaluations, ensuring that the necessary resources are available for thorough analysis.

Contention

While the bill aims to assess the effectiveness of health benefit mandates, it may generate contention regarding which provisions are prioritized and evaluated first. Stakeholders in the health sector may have differing opinions on what constitutes essential benefits, leading to debates over the perceived adequacy of coverage and the implications of removing or altering specific mandates. This element of the bill highlights the broader conversations about health care accessibility and the balance of state regulations versus market needs.