Video & Transcript Research : 'HF400'

MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/26

Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • 2025, I presented this uh bill HF400. 2025, I presented this uh bill HF400.
  • HF400 addresses one area variables.
  • HF400 addresses one area squarely<00:02:55.120> within<00:02:55.519> the<00:02:55.760><
  • <00:03:15.920> HF400<00:03:16.959> does for employers and employees.
  • HF400 does for employers and employees.
Bills: HF3388, HF400
Summary: The committee approved the minutes from the prior day and then heard House File 400, a bill described as a defrayal measure for health insurance mandates. Representative Perryman said the bill would not block future mandates, but would require the state to pay the added costs of any new mandated benefits so those costs would not be shifted to premium payers. She and supporters framed the bill as a way to protect affordability for Minnesota employers, workers, and families, especially in the fully insured market. Testimony in support came from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Council of Health Plans. They argued that Minnesota has a high number of mandated benefits, that each new mandate adds cost to premiums, and that businesses—especially small and midsize employers—are already struggling with rising health insurance costs. The health plans representative said the bill would use the existing Commerce defrayal process to reimburse plans for eligible mandate-related claims, allowing those costs to be removed from premium rates. Several members echoed support, saying the bill would improve transparency by showing the fiscal impact of proposed mandates and help prevent people from being priced out of coverage. Members also explored how mandates apply in the market and how premiums are set. Deputy Commissioner Julia Dryer explained that, unless otherwise specified, mandates generally apply to the individual, small group, and fully insured large group markets, while self-insured ERISA plans and other markets are generally outside that scope. Representative Elkins noted that the affected market is relatively small and said small businesses are increasingly moving to self-insured plans because of cost. He and others raised concerns about affordability, while Representative Smith argued that mandates often ensure needed care and that the bill shifts costs to taxpayers rather than insurers. Representative Bacham added a personal example from tribal self-insurance, saying preventive physicals had saved lives and asking whether other factors besides mandates are driving insurer costs. No amendments were offered, and the bill was laid over for possible future consideration.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Commerce Committee Meeting - 2026-03-26

Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • 00:34:38.800> many<00:34:39.120> variables<00:34:39.720> and<00:34:39.919> HF400
  • driven by many variables and HF400 driven by many variables and HF400 addresses<00:34:41.720>
  • increases premiums for employers and increases premiums for employers and employees.<00:35:03.200> HF400
  • HF400 does not prohibit employees.
  • HF400 does not prohibit legislature<00:35:06.200> from<00:35:06.440> adopting<00:35:06.960