This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to establish a new framework for the prompt payment of emergency room and ambulance charges incurred by patients enrolled in very high deductible health plans (VHDHP). It introduces a definition for VHDHP, specifying that it is a high deductible health plan with an annual maximum out-of-pocket expense exceeding $3,000 for individual coverage or $6,000 for family coverage. The bill mandates that health plan companies issuing VHDHPs must pay emergency and ambulance charges directly to the service providers within 15 days if the enrollee has not met their deductible. Additionally, health plan companies may contract with entities administering insurance plans to fulfill these obligations, but they retain ultimate responsibility for compliance.

The bill also includes several amendments to existing statutes, such as clarifying the roles and responsibilities of self-insurance and insurance plan administrators, and ensuring that any contractual relationships related to VHDHPs comply with the new payment requirements. It emphasizes that health plan companies cannot penalize enrollees for non-reimbursement of these payments by limiting their coverage. The effective date for these provisions is set for August 1, 2026, applying to VHDHPs offered, issued, sold, or renewed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 60A.23, 62Q.01, 62Q.025