Bill > HF3283

This bill requires the commissioner of human services to seek federal waivers, which are special permissions from the federal government, to allow individuals in Minnesota whose income is too high to qualify for MinnesotaCare, a state health insurance program, to still purchase coverage through MinnesotaCare via a separate option. This new option would be available to those who meet other MinnesotaCare eligibility requirements but exceed the income limit, offering them an alternative to buying plans on MNsure, the state's health insurance marketplace, or from private insurers. The bill also directs the commissioner to seek waivers to allow these individuals to use federal tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies, if they qualify, to help pay for this MinnesotaCare coverage, and to ensure this new purchase option is presented on MNsure alongside other available health plans. The program would be administered to ensure efficiency and continuity of care, with mechanisms to maintain MinnesotaCare's financial stability and prevent negative impacts on the insurance market, including setting premium rates, benefit levels, and enrollment periods similar to existing MinnesotaCare rules, and allowing adjustments to the plan's value. The commissioner must report to the legislature on the waiver progress and necessary analyses by March 1, 2017, and any implementation requiring state funding would need further legislative approval.