HF4106

Purpose

• To ensure the continued operation of the Minnesota premium security plan by seeking a federal waiver continuation. The bill aims to maximize federal funding for the plan in future benefit years, starting with January 1, 2028, and beyond. It ties the program’s ongoing operation to the approval of the waiver by federal authorities.

Main Provisions

• Waiver continuation application
  • The commissioner of commerce must apply to the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services under 42 U.S.C. 18052 to continue the state innovation waiver that currently implements the Minnesota premium security plan, beginning with benefit years starting January 1, 2028 and in later years.
  • The application deadline is December 31, 2026.
  • The waiver application must clearly state that operation of the Minnesota premium security plan after 2027 depends on approval of the waiver.
  • The commissioner must reapply as needed to continue operating the plan under Minnesota Statutes section 62E.23.
• Notification requirements
  • The commissioner must notify the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over health, human services, and insurance.
  • The commissioner must also notify the board of directors of the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association about the intent to submit the waiver and any related federal actions.

Significant Changes

• Establishes a formal, timed process to seek federal authorization to continue the premium security plan beyond 2027.
• Creates a contingency-based operation where continued program activity is dependent on federal waiver approval.
• Adds required communications to key lawmakers and the MCHA board, increasing transparency and oversight.

Affected Parties

• Minnesota Department of Commerce (role in submitting the waiver)
• United States Department of Health and Human Services (federal approval body)
• Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association (MCHA) (receives notification)
• Legislative committees focused on health, human services, and insurance (receiving notification of intent and federal actions)

Practical Implications

• The state will pursue federal funding support for the premium security plan through a formal waiver request, with a firm deadline and explicit dependency on federal approval.
• If the waiver is not approved, the continuation of the plan after 2027 is uncertain.
• The process requires coordination between state agencies, the legislature, and MCHA.

Terminology and Concepts (for clarity and search relevance)

• Minnesota premium security plan
• State innovation waiver
• 42 U.S.C. 18052 (federal waiver authority)
• United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
• Secretary (of HHS)
• Benefit years (starting January 1, 2028)
• Minnesota Statutes chapter 62E, section 62E.23
• Acknowledgment of federal action and waiver status
• Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association (MCHA)
• Commissioner of commerce

Relevant Terms

• Minnesota premium security plan
• state innovation waiver
• 42 U.S.C. 18052
• United States Department of Health and Human Services
• Secretary
• December 31, 2026
• January 1, 2028
• Minnesota Statutes section 62E.23
• Commissioner of commerce
• Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association (MCHA)
• legislative committees (health, human services, insurance)