Provisions governing prior authorization of health care services modified, and managed care contracts under medical assistance modified.

This bill modifies Minnesota laws to restrict how health insurance plans and managed care organizations require prior authorization for medical services. It directly affects health plan enrollees by prohibiting the denial or limitation of coverage for care that was not previously approved if the service would have been covered under the plan's rules. Key provisions ban prior authorization for emergency services, specific outpatient mental health and substance use treatments, certain cancer therapies, recommended preventive care, pediatric hospice, and neonatal abstinence programs. Additionally, the bill prevents authorization for chronic condition treatments from expiring unless the standard of care changes, the condition no longer qualifies as chronic, or the treatment no longer meets medical standards. These changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2027, for health plans offered or renewed after that date.