This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 62K.10, to update the provider network adequacy provisions. It replaces the existing maximum travel distance or time requirements for accessing primary care, mental health services, and general hospital services with new standards that align with federal regulations. Specifically, health carriers must now adhere to the time and distance standards outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, section 155.1050. Additionally, the bill removes subdivision 3, which previously set travel distance or time limits for specialty physician services and other health services.

The bill also modifies the waiver process for health carriers seeking to address network inadequacies. It allows carriers to apply for waivers if they can demonstrate that meeting the requirements is not feasible in certain areas, and it establishes guidelines for evaluating these applications. The waiver will automatically expire after one year, and carriers must provide evidence of efforts made to address network inadequacies when reapplying. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that if no providers of a specific type or specialty exist in a county, telehealth options may be utilized to meet network adequacy requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 62K.10