This bill mandates that health insurance plans in Minnesota provide coverage for augmentative and alternative communication systems, which are essential for individuals with severe expressive communication limitations. The bill defines these systems and includes provisions for habilitation services, ensuring that coverage is deemed medically necessary by a prescribing physician. It prohibits health plans from imposing separate financial requirements or quantitative limits on these services, and allows for prior authorization in a manner consistent with other covered benefits. Additionally, the bill establishes reimbursement protocols for health plan companies and appropriates necessary funds to support these requirements.

The bill also amends existing statutes to align with the new coverage requirements, specifically updating definitions and reimbursement rates for augmentative and alternative communication systems. It clarifies that electronic tablets can be considered durable medical equipment when used for communication purposes and outlines the conditions under which they may be reimbursed. The effective date for these provisions is set for January 1, 2026, applying to all health plans offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.0625, 256B.4914