This legislative bill, titled S.F. No. 970, intends to ensure that all health insurance plans in Minnesota cover treatments related to managing bowel and bladder functions for individuals with spinal cord injuries. It outlines the following key aspects:

1. Definition: It defines bowel and bladder management as any medically prescribed treatment, service, supply, or equipment needed specifically due to a spinal cord injury.

2. Coverage Requirement: Health insurance plans must cover these necessary services without imposing additional cost-sharing requirements beyond what is typically applied to other medical coverages. This means no extra deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance specifically for these services.

3. Limitations on Restrictions: Insurance plans are prohibited from applying review or referral restrictions that are stricter than those applied to other types of medical coverage. There can't be limitations on the quantity of supplies or services provided either.

4. Reimbursement: The Commissioner of Commerce is required to reimburse health insurance companies for the costs associated with this mandated coverage. This reimbursement will only apply to new services added due to this bill, not for treatments or services that were already covered by January 1, 2025.

5. Reporting and Accountability: Health plan companies must report costs linked to this added benefit to the Commissioner of Commerce and demonstrate how they qualify for reimbursement.

6. Funding: The bill includes an appropriation of funds every fiscal year to cover the reimbursements to health plans as required.

In summary, this bill aims to make necessary medical management for bowel and bladder functions associated with spinal cord injuries accessible without financial burden, while ensuring transparency and accountability from insurance companies concerning the added coverage costs.