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Changes to MCHA

Published (6/1/2010)
By Lauren Radomski
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The Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association is a health care safety net that offers insurance to people who are otherwise unable to access coverage due to pre-existing conditions. Its policies will undergo a handful of changes under a new law.

Sponsored by Rep. Greg Davids (R-Preston) and Sen. Dan Sparks (DFL-Austin), the law removes a requirement that the association must hold a public meeting before filing a rate increase or benefit change with the Department of Commerce. Instead, a requirement to “provide notice and solicit public comment” on the proposed change may be satisfied through a meeting, written notice or electronic means. This provision is effective May 19, 2010, as is a language change related to people whose employers offer some health care coverage.

Effective Aug. 1, 2010, charges for out-of-state inpatient treatment for a mental or nervous disorder are not covered by MCHA, except when certain conditions are met.

HF3210/ SF2879*/CH363

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