Minnesota House Bill HF2159

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/23
• Refer: 2/21/23

Caption

Health plan company required to provide same reimbursement rates for all providers.

Impact

If enacted, HF2159 will impact Chapter 62Q of the Minnesota Statutes, which deals with provider reimbursement practices. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2024, meaning that all covered services provided on or after this date will adhere to the new reimbursement guidelines. Proponents of this bill argue that it enhances equity in the healthcare system, ensuring that all qualified providers are compensated fairly for their services, thereby potentially improving access to care for patients who rely on APRNs and PAs.

Summary

House Bill 2159 (HF2159) proposes a significant change in the reimbursement policies of health plan companies in Minnesota. The bill requires that when enrollees choose to receive covered services from licensed and certified advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) or licensed physician assistants (PAs), the reimbursement rates have to be equivalent to those paid to licensed physicians for the same service. This legislation aims to address perceived disparities in reimbursement that have historically favored physicians over nurse practitioners and physician assistants, despite their capability to provide similar services.

Contention

However, the bill may face scrutiny from various stakeholders within the healthcare community. Some critics may argue that changing reimbursement structures could disrupt existing financial balances and economic viability for certain health plan providers, affecting their ability to manage costs effectively. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the quality of care and the extent of services that APRNs and PAs are expected to provide at these rates, sparking discussions about the quality and scope of their training compared to physicians.