This bill mandates that health insurance plans in Minnesota provide coverage for augmentative and alternative communication systems, which are essential for individuals with severe expressive communication limitations. The bill defines these systems and includes related habilitation services, ensuring that coverage is deemed medically necessary by a prescribing physician. It prohibits health plans from imposing separate financial requirements or quantitative limits on these services. Additionally, the bill allows for prior authorization for these systems and services, requiring health plans to apply evidence-based guidelines during utilization reviews and to avoid discrimination based on an enrollee's disability.

The bill also includes provisions for reimbursement to health plan companies for the costs associated with this coverage, with an appropriation for necessary funds each fiscal year. It amends existing statutes to align with the new coverage requirements and specifies that these changes will take effect on January 1, 2026. Notably, it updates definitions and payment structures for augmentative and alternative communication systems, ensuring that electronic tablets used for communication are recognized as durable medical equipment under the law.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.0625, 256B.4914