This bill mandates that health plans in Minnesota provide coverage for the management and treatment of obesity, recognizing it as a chronic disease. It introduces a new section, [62Q.474], which outlines specific definitions related to obesity treatment, including "intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment," "FDA-approved obesity medication," and "metabolic and bariatric surgery." The bill requires that health plans cover these treatments without imposing more restrictive criteria than those established by the FDA. Additionally, it stipulates that coverage for obesity treatment should not differ from coverage for other illnesses regarding deductibles and co-payments, while allowing for utilization management to assess medical necessity. Furthermore, the bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 256B.0625, by adding a subdivision that ensures medical assistance also covers obesity management and treatment, aligning it with the requirements set for health plans under section 62Q.474. The effective date for the health plan provisions is set for January 1, 2027, while the medical assistance provisions will take effect on January 1, 2026, or upon federal approval, whichever is later.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.0625