The proposed bill establishes the Minnesota Health Plan, designed to ensure that all residents of Minnesota have access to affordable health care. It introduces the Minnesota Health Board, the Minnesota Health Fund, and the Office of Health Quality and Planning, which will oversee the administration and financial management of the plan. Key features include comprehensive coverage for necessary medical services, patient choice of providers, and a focus on preventive care. The plan will be funded through income-based premiums, eliminating co-pays and reducing administrative costs. All Minnesota residents, including those temporarily out of state and nonresidents employed in Minnesota, are eligible for the plan, which also includes provisions for enrollment procedures and data privacy.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes governance and operational efficiency by establishing conflict of interest standards and creating an Ombudsman Office for Patient Advocacy to protect consumer rights. It mandates the appointment of a chief executive officer and the formation of a conflict of interest committee to ensure transparency in transactions. The legislation also introduces an auditor general for health care fraud and abuse, streamlining rulemaking by exempting the Minnesota Health Plan's policies from the Administrative Procedure Act. The plan is required to be fully operational within two years of enactment, with allocated funding for its implementation, ultimately aiming to enhance accountability and improve health care access and quality for all Minnesota residents.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 13.3806, 14.03, 15A.0815