This bill mandates that all health plans in Minnesota must cover doula services, which include childbirth education and support provided by certified doulas. The legislation specifies that health plans cannot impose any cost-sharing requirements, such as deductibles, co-payments, or coinsurance, for this coverage. Additionally, it prohibits any review or referral limitations and quantity restrictions on the coverage of doula services. The bill also outlines that the commissioner of commerce will reimburse health plan companies for the costs associated with this coverage, ensuring that the reimbursement is only for services that would not have been provided without this requirement.

Furthermore, the bill amends Minnesota Statutes to include provisions for medical assistance programs to comply with the new doula services coverage, while allowing exceptions if compliance would hinder federal funding or reduce coverage access for enrollees. An appropriation from the general fund is established to support the reimbursement process starting in fiscal year 2028. The effective date for these provisions is set for January 1, 2027, applying to all health plans offered, issued, or sold from that date forward.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.0625