This bill mandates that health plans in Minnesota provide coverage for the management and treatment of obesity, which includes intensive behavioral or lifestyle therapy, FDA-approved antiobesity medications, and metabolic and bariatric surgery. The bill specifies that coverage criteria for these medications must align with FDA-approved indications and that cost-sharing for obesity treatment should not differ from other medical conditions. Additionally, it allows health plans to apply utilization management for determining medical necessity, provided that the process is consistent with other covered conditions. The effective date for these provisions is set for January 1, 2025.

Furthermore, the bill amends Minnesota Statutes to include a new subdivision that requires medical assistance to cover obesity management and treatment in accordance with the new health plan requirements. It also mandates an annual report from the department on obesity management efforts, detailing prevalence rates, service utilization, and health outcomes related to obesity, such as diabetes prevention and cardiovascular health. This section will also take effect on January 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.0625