SF1261 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Family Medical Account service delivery model establishment

AI Generated Summary

The bill introduces the Family Medical Account (FMA) service delivery model in Minnesota, aimed at managing medical assistance for eligible enrollees. It dictates that all new and reenrolling medical assistance enrollees must participate in the FMA model, unless they are excluded due to disability, age, or specific federal requirements.

Key features of the FMA service delivery model include:

  1. FMA Debit and Investment Accounts: Enrollees will receive a debit account funded monthly by the commissioner to pay for eligible medical expenses. Unspent funds will be transferred to an investment account at the end of each year.

  2. Eligibility and Participation: The model targets individuals who are within 138% of the federal poverty guideline and would typically receive medical assistance through managed care. Exemptions are provided for disabilities, older adults, or those covered by federal waivers.

  3. Medical Benefits and Expenses: Enrollees will use the debit account to cover outpatient and emergency medical expenses. Once the yearly allotted funds are spent, traditional medical assistance benefits apply. Certain essential services, like preventive care and inpatient services, are not charged against the FMA debit account.

  4. Ongoing Financial and Health Education: The model includes educational programs to assist enrollees in understanding healthcare costs, effective use of services, and overall health management.

  5. Account Management and Oversight: A commissioner will oversee the operation, including arranging healthcare provider contracts, ensuring compliance with financial operations, and managing debit and investment accounts. Regular audits and reporting will be mandatory.

In essence, the FMA model is designed to provide a structured, accountable system for managing healthcare funds for those on medical assistance, aiming to make participants proactive managers of their healthcare expenses.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 12, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 12, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHealth and Human Services

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new subsection clarifying disbursement rules."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Eliminates previous requirement for municipal matching funds."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies pension fund eligibility for volunteer firefighters under section 353G.06.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts pension payment schedule from annual to quarterly."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "353G.06"
  }
]