The proposed bill establishes a new MinnesotaCare Plan to enhance health coverage options for residents by mandating the commissioner of commerce to seek a section 1332 waiver and requiring the commissioner of human services to suspend the existing MinnesotaCare program. It introduces new definitions and standards for the MinnesotaCare Plan, which must be certified as a qualified health plan. Health carriers are obligated to offer this plan in every county where they provide qualified health plans, ensuring it is clearly labeled and marketed similarly to other options. The bill also outlines minimum covered benefits, cost-sharing requirements, and premium structures based on enrollees' income levels, while specifying eligibility criteria for enrollment, including residency requirements and restrictions on access to other minimum essential coverage.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes to improve the administration and accessibility of MinnesotaCare Plans and related health insurance programs. It requires health carriers to submit annual reports on compensation changes for insurance producers and mandates that insurance producers inform small group purchasers about health plans qualifying for tax benefits. The bill allows individuals to apply for MinnesotaCare Plans through the MNsure platform, facilitating comparison of coverage options, and outlines the appeals process for MNsure determinations. It also directs the commissioner of commerce to seek a federal section 1332 waiver for additional funding and to ensure a smooth transition for current enrollees to the new MinnesotaCare Plan without changes to their benefits or costs.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 62V.02, 62V.03, 62V.05, 62V.051, 62V.13