SF1599

This bill, Minnesota Senate File No. 1599, seeks to improve access to emergency mental health services by making several key changes:

1. Elimination of Cost-Sharing for Mobile Crisis Services

   • The bill eliminates copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles for mobile crisis intervention services, ensuring that individuals in crisis can access help without financial barriers.

2. Expansion of Mental Health Crisis Services

   • The Minnesota Department of Human Services will increase access to mental health crisis services for both adults and children. Planned measures include:
     • Developing a central phone number to direct individuals to the appropriate crisis services.
     • Promoting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
     • Providing 24/7 telephone consultation to mobile crisis teams assisting individuals with traumatic brain injuries or intellectual disabilities.
     • Expanding crisis services statewide, particularly in rural areas.
     • Establishing state standards and requirements for crisis services.
     • Offering grants to fund new mental health crisis residential services, with at least 50% of funds going to rural areas.

3. Requirements for Emergency Mental Health Services

   • County boards must provide emergency mental health services that include:
     • Immediate access to a mental health professional during business hours.
     • Toll-free telephone access to a professional, clinical trainee, or mental health practitioner after hours (i.e., evenings, weekends, holidays).
     • A waiver process for counties that cannot meet these requirements, provided they ensure adequate training and service quality.
     • Increased oversight and data collection to monitor service availability and effectiveness.

4. Changes to Cost-Sharing Regulations

   • The bill amends Minnesota Statutes, section 256L.03, to prevent cost-sharing (copayments, coinsurance, deductibles) for the following services:
     • Mobile crisis intervention services.
     • Tobacco/nicotine cessation drugs and services.
     • Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medications for HIV prevention.

By eliminating financial barriers and expanding access to emergency mental health care, this bill aims to ensure that individuals in crisis receive timely and effective support.