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 related 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 requires health plan companies to report costs associated with this new coverage to the commissioner of commerce, who will reimburse them for expenses incurred due to these requirements.

The bill also amends existing statutes to align with the new coverage requirements, including changes to definitions and reimbursement processes for augmentative and alternative communication systems. Specifically, it updates the language in Minnesota Statutes regarding medical assistance coverage and reimbursement rates for these systems. The effective date for these provisions is set for January 1, 2027, applying to all health plans offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.0625, 256B.4914
1st Engrossment: 256B.0625, 256B.4914