Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF1793

Introduced
3/3/25  

Caption

Reimbursement rates for services provided by birth centers in the medical assistance program modified.

Impact

The impact of HF1793 extends to state laws governing healthcare reimbursement practices, with an emphasis on aligning birth center compensation more closely with hospital rates. By ensuring that birth centers receive fair reimbursement for a wider range of maternity services, this bill could lead to increased access and lower costs for patients choosing birth centers. Additionally, the bill supports enhanced standards for maternal health services, thereby potentially improving health outcomes for mothers and newborns alike. Birth centers may also be incentivized to expand their services, which could increase options for expectant families.

Summary

House File 1793 focuses on modifying reimbursement rates for services provided by birth centers within Minnesota's medical assistance program. The bill proposes a structured framework for how birth centers are compensated for their services. Currently, the reimbursement rates allow for payments that are either billed charges or a specified percentage of payments made to hospitals for similar services, with particular emphasis on uncomplicated vaginal deliveries. The bill aims to make these rates more equitable and reflective of current healthcare costs, especially with a significant increase starting in 2027 or when federal approval is obtained.

Contention

While many advocate for the bill citing the benefits of fairer reimbursement practices, there are points of contention regarding its implementation, particularly surrounding the funding mechanisms for these increased reimbursements. The reliance on federal approval may also introduce uncertainties and delays that could impact birth centers' operations. Some healthcare advocates express concerns that cost increases might be passed onto consumers or that not all birth centers will be able to adapt to the changes outlined in this bill, potentially leading to disparities in service availability across different regions.

Companion Bills

MN SF2109

Similar To Reimbursement rates provided by birth centers in the medical assistance program modification

Previously Filed As

MN HF4981

Medical Assistance rate adjustments for physician and professional services established, residential services rates increased, statewide reimbursement rate for behavioral health home services required, and money appropriated.

MN SF5084

Medical Assistance rate adjustments for physician and professional services establishment, increasing rates for certain residential services, requiring a statewide reimbursement rate for behavioral health home services, and appropriations

MN HF4305

Definition of usual and customary price modified for purposes of medical assistance prescription drug reimbursement.

MN SF3333

Medical assistance prescription drug reimbursement definition of usual and customary price modification

MN SF4330

Definition modification of usual and customary price for the purposes of medical assistance prescription drug reimbursement

MN SF1826

Telehealth requirements modification; medical assistance reimbursements for transport services authorization; appropriating money

MN HF4366

Civil commitment priority admission requirements modified, prisoner in a correctional facility specified to not be responsible for co-payments for mental health medications, county co-payment expense reimbursement allowed, and money appropriated.

MN HF3495

Mental and behavioral health care provisions modified including service standards, adult and child mental health services grants, substance use disorder services, supportive housing, and provider certification and reimbursement; reports required; and money appropriated.

MN HF1706

Telehealth requirements modified, medical assistance reimbursement increased for protected transport services, grants established, and money appropriated.

MN HF32

Rates and rate floors modified for services involving disability and elderly waivers, customized living, nursing and intermediate care facilities, personal care assistance, home care, nonemergency medical transportation, and community first services and supports; provisions modified; residential settings closure prevention grant program established; and money appropriated.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.