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HF3139 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

MinnesotaCare Plan established, commissioner of commerce required to seek a section 1332 waiver, and commissioner of human services required to request to suspend the MinnesotaCare program.

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to establish a MinnesotaCare Plan that aligns with federal standards to provide affordable health coverage to eligible residents. It aims to enhance the MinnesotaCare program by seeking federal approval and funding adjustments through a Section 1332 waiver. Additionally, the bill proposes changes to how MinnesotaCare is administered and integrated with MNsure, Minnesota's health insurance marketplace.

Main Provisions

  1. MinnesotaCare Plan Establishment:

    • The bill mandates the creation of a MinnesotaCare Plan as a qualified health plan meeting specific standards set by the commissioner of commerce.
    • Health carriers are required to offer a MinnesotaCare Plan in every county where they offer individual plans.

  2. Eligibility and Coverage:

    • Individuals with incomes up to 250% of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for the MinnesotaCare Plan.
    • Premiums and cost-sharing are structured to maintain affordability, with specific provisions for certain groups like American Indians and military families.
    • Application and eligibility determinations for MinnesotaCare Plan are to be processed through MNsure.

  3. Section 1332 Waiver:

    • Minnesota will seek a federal Section 1332 waiver to receive enhanced funding equivalent to 100% of potential premium tax credits.
    • The waiver request includes measures to suspend the existing basic health program to streamline operations and funding.

  4. Maintaining Benefits:

    • Current MinnesotaCare enrollees will be automatically transitioned to the new MinnesotaCare Plan without changes to their premiums, cost-sharing, or coverage benefits.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Amendments and Additions to Statutes:

    • The bill amends several Minnesota Statutes sections to incorporate the structured offering of the MinnesotaCare Plan and its integration into MNsure.
    • It introduces a new process for determining eligibility and enrolling individuals through an easy enrollment period managed by MNsure.

  • Financial and Operational Adjustments:

    • Alters how premium assistance and cost-sharing reductions are calculated and allocated, specifying conditions where premiums are waived or adjusted based on income and demographics.

  • Suspension of the Basic Health Program:

    • Temporarily suspends the state's basic health program pending federal waiver approval, maintaining a trust fund for its continued use.

Relevant Terms

  • MinnesotaCare Plan
  • Section 1332 waiver
  • MNsure
  • Premium Tax Credits
  • Cost-sharing reductions
  • Basic Health Program (BHP)
  • Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
April 07, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toCommerce Finance and Policy
April 07, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toCommerce Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies the definition of health carrier in alignment with existing statute."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines 'health carrier' as used in the context of the MinnesotaCare Plan legislation.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "62A.011",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Includes definition for individual health plan as per existing statutes."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines 'individual health plan' within the context of MinnesotaCare Plan requirements.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "62A.011",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Updates MNsure definition in context of newly established MinnesotaCare standards."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Provides definition for MNsure as per statute amendments.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "62V.02",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 8"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Details MNsure board responsibilities for plan certification."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Includes the MNsure board's role in certifying qualified health plans.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "62V.05",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Ensures minimum health services align with existing Medicaid services."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced regarding mandatory benefits coverage for MinnesotaCare plans.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "256L.03",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Describes conditions under which immigrants can access assistance."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Discusses eligibility based on immigration status for medical assistance.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "256B.06",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  }
]

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