Bill > HF3056

This bill modifies Minnesota's provider network adequacy regulations by changing how health insurance carriers must ensure geographic access to healthcare services. Specifically, the bill replaces the previous state-specific travel distance and time standards with federal standards outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations. The bill eliminates the existing requirement that sets maximum travel distances for specialty physician services, ancillary services, and specialized hospital services by repealing subdivision 3 of the relevant statute. The bill maintains a waiver process for health carriers unable to meet network adequacy requirements, allowing them to apply to the Commissioner of Health for a temporary exemption. Under the waiver process, carriers must provide specific data demonstrating why they cannot meet the standards, outline steps to address network inadequacy, and pay a $500 application fee. Waivers are valid for one year and require carriers to show progress in expanding their provider networks. In cases where no providers of a specific type exist in a county, the bill allows carriers to use telehealth services to meet network adequacy requirements. The changes aim to streamline network adequacy regulations and provide more flexibility for health insurance carriers while maintaining patient access to healthcare services.

Health and Social Services

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF3056&ssn=0&y=2025