MinnesotaCare and medical assistance enrollee cost-sharing elimination; individual, small group and State Employee Group Insurance Program cost-sharing prohibition
Impact
If passed, SF1264 would amend several provisions of Minnesota Statutes to ensure that various health programs and plans do not require cost-sharing from their enrollees. This move could lead to a significant shift in how healthcare costs are managed under state-run programs. By removing barriers to healthcare access, the legislation aims to improve overall health outcomes among vulnerable populations, including low-income families, elderly individuals, and individuals with disabilities, who may otherwise delay or forgo necessary medical care due to financial constraints.
Summary
SF1264 seeks to eliminate enrollee cost-sharing under the Minnesota medical assistance and MinnesotaCare programs. The bill prohibits individual, small group, and State Employee Group Insurance Program plans from including costs such as deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurance. The elimination of cost-sharing is expected to make healthcare more accessible to individuals enrolled in these programs, particularly benefiting low-income residents who often struggle with out-of-pocket expenses associated with medical care. The bill's effective date is set for January 1, 2024, contingent upon federal approval of amendments to the state's innovation waiver.
Contention
The bill has raised concerns among some legislators and stakeholders, who argue that removing cost-sharing might lead to increased demand for medical services without a corresponding mechanism to control costs. Critics worry that it could put additional strain on already stretched healthcare resources and raise questions about the sustainability of funding for these programs. Discussions surrounding the bill often focus on balancing the need for accessible healthcare with the financial implications for state budgets and the potential impact on healthcare providers.
Similar To
Enrollee cost-sharing eliminated under medical assistance and MinnesotaCare; and individual, small group, and State Employee Group Insurance Program plans prohibited from including cost-sharing.
Enrollee cost-sharing eliminated under medical assistance and MinnesotaCare; and individual, small group, and State Employee Group Insurance Program plans prohibited from including cost-sharing.
Transitional cost-sharing reduction, premium subsidy, small employer public opinion, and transitional health care credit establishment; MinnesotaCare eligibility expansion
Transitional cost-sharing reduction, premium subsidy, small employer public option, and transitional health care credit established; MinnesotaCare eligibility expanded; premium scale modified; and recommendations for alternative delivery and payment system required.
Transitional cost-sharing reduction, premium subsidy, small employer public option, and transitional health care credit established; MinnesotaCare eligibility expanded; premium scale modified; and alternative delivery and payment system recommendations required.
Requirements for dental administrator rates modified in the medical assistance and MinnesotaCare programs, dental administrator contract dates changed, critical access dental provider task force established, and report required.
Enrollee cost-sharing eliminated under medical assistance and MinnesotaCare; and individual, small group, and State Employee Group Insurance Program plans prohibited from including cost-sharing.
Establishing competency and shift wage differential enhanced payment rates for personal care assistant and community first services and supports professionals; modifying use of enhanced rate revenue for workings; establishing temporary personal care assistance rate increase; appropriating money.