Minnesota Senate Bill SF1264

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/6/23

Caption

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.