Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF1029

Introduced
2/1/23  
Refer
2/1/23  
Refer
3/6/23  

Caption

Unrestricted access requirement to services for diagnosis. monitoring, and treatment of rare diseases

Impact

The bill has significant implications for state laws governing health insurance and patient rights. By amending Minnesota Statutes, it requires health plans to provide equal coverage for services associated with rare diseases, irrespective of the provider's network status. This is expected to improve health outcomes for patients who might not have access to specialized care within their health plan's network, thereby enhancing their quality of life.

Summary

SF1029 aims to ensure unrestricted access to services for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of rare diseases in Minnesota. This bill establishes that health plan companies cannot restrict enrollees on where to receive these essential services, which may include consultations with licensed healthcare providers related to rare diseases. The bill specifically defines rare diseases as conditions that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. or are classified as such by relevant health authorities, ensuring comprehensive coverage for affected individuals.

Contention

While SF1029 has the potential to greatly benefit patients with rare diseases, it may also raise concerns among healthcare providers and insurers regarding the financial impacts of providing services without network restrictions. There could be debate over the adequacy of compensation for out-of-network providers and the overall costs to insurance companies, given that these services may incur higher fees compared to in-network alternatives. Stakeholders may assess how this bill alters the balance of healthcare costs between providers, insurers, and patients.

Companion Bills

MN HF384

Similar To Unrestricted access to services required for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of rare diseases.

Previously Filed As

MN SB461

Providing for patient access to diagnostics and treatments for Lyme disease and related tick-borne illnesses; and requiring health care policies to provide certain coverage.

MN S1552

Experimental Treatments for Terminal Conditions and Life-threatening Rare Diseases

MN H1381

Experimental Treatments for Terminal Conditions and Life-threatening Rare Diseases

MN HB2231

Establishes requirements for dual diagnosis treatment centers

MN HB589

Social services; coverage for fertility diagnostic care, treatment, and preservation services; provide

MN SF3615

Health plans requirement to cover infertility treatment and standard fertility preservation services

MN SF3716

Health plans to cover cervical cancer screening tests and subsequent diagnostic services requirement and appropriation

MN SF1961

Infertility treatment and standard fertility preservation services coverage by health plans requirement, MinnesotaCare and medical assistance coverage of infertility treatment and standard fertility preservation services requirement, and appropriation

MN HF4230

Health plans required to cover treatment of inherited metabolic diseases.

MN SF5142

Coverage requirement of medical services and prescription medications for the treatment of dementia

Similar Bills

NJ S3008

Requires health insurance and Medicaid coverage for screening, prevention, and treatment services of behavioral health issues affecting children.

NJ A2749

Requires health insurance and Medicaid coverage for screening, prevention, and treatment services of behavioral health issues affecting children.

HI HR138

Urging The Prohibition Of The Use Of "excited Delirium", Or Similar Pseudoscientific Concepts, As A Medical Diagnosis, Cause Of Death, Or Legal Theory In The State Of Hawaii.

HI HCR146

Urging The Prohibition Of The Use Of "excited Delirium", Or Similar Pseudoscientific Concepts, As A Medical Diagnosis, Cause Of Death, Or Legal Theory In The State Of Hawaii.

CA AB360

Menopause.

LA SB42

Provides relative to perinatal behavioral health treatment. (8/1/25) (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

RI S0103

Mandates all insurance contracts, plans or policies provide insurance coverage for the expense of diagnosing and treating infertility, for women between the ages of 25 and 42 years including preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in conjunction with IVF.

MS SB2404

Cancer coverage under First Responders Health and Safety Act; extend eligibility.