Rep. Robert Bierman

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Minnesota to cover home care nursing services without imposing quantity limits on the number of visits or hours provided. It directly affects individuals enrolled in health plans who also receive medical assistance, ensuring they receive ongoing skilled nursing care without arbitrary caps on coverage. The legislation defines home care nursing services as continuous, medically necessary care that cannot be safely delivered through intermittent visits, and mandates that plans refer to these services by this specific name in all coverage documents. While cost-sharing like copayments may still apply, the bill prohibits plans from restricting coverage based on the total amount of services needed, with most provisions taking effect in 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $6 million from state bond proceeds to fund capital improvements at Duluth's Lake Superior Zoo, directly benefiting the city of Duluth through a grant for predesign, construction, and equipment upgrades. Key provisions include authorizing the sale of up to $6 million in state bonds under Minnesota law and exempting the funding from standard budget rules (Minnesota Statutes § 16A.86, subd. 4). The funds will support critical infrastructure like mechanical/electrical systems, utility infrastructure, and exhibit renovations to sustain zoo operations.

Maddy summaryHF 3716 adds a new provision (Minnesota Statutes § 103I.2091) allowing variances from standard water well isolation distance rules for submerged closed loop heat exchanger systems used in heating/cooling. It directly affects applicants seeking to install these geothermal systems near water supply wells, by requiring the commissioner to consider variance requests if strict compliance would create an undue burden. The bill specifies that variances must be evaluated based on factors critical to system efficiency, such as optimal well spacing for thermal performance and minimizing piping lengths to reduce energy loss. This change streamlines the approval process for these energy-efficient systems while maintaining water supply well protection standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates state money from the general fund for fiscal year 2027 to support mobile crisis services and nonemergency medical transportation providers in Minnesota. The commissioner of human services will distribute these funds as mobile crisis grants and start-up grants for protected transport. Specifically, the money can be used to purchase or configure vehicles that meet protected transport requirements. The measure impacts organizations providing crisis intervention and medical transportation services to the public.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the number of covered physical therapy visits for children under Minnesota's medical assistance program. Currently, the limit is 14 visits per year, but the bill raises this to 30 visits for children recovering from hospital-based surgeries while keeping the 14-visit limit for other situations. The new higher limit takes effect on January 1, 2027, or later if federal approval is required. Additionally, the bill clarifies reimbursement rates for physical therapy assistants, paying them the full rate when working on-site with a therapist and 65% of that rate when working remotely under a therapist's direction.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Minnesota's suicide prevention reporting requirements and establishes standards for the state's 988 Lifeline service. It requires the state health commissioner to conduct periodic evaluations of the suicide prevention plan and submit biennial reports to legislative committees starting in 2026. The legislation also mandates that the designated 988 Lifeline center operate 24/7, meet specific operational and clinical standards, and coordinate with emergency services, mental health providers, and community resources. Additionally, the bill requires the commissioner to develop protocols for interactions between 988 and 911 services and publish biennial reports on 988 usage data including answer rates and emergency referrals.

Maddy summaryHF 1758 requires all health plans covering maternity benefits in Minnesota to provide comprehensive coverage for infertility diagnosis/treatment and standard fertility preservation services. It applies to private health plans, MinnesotaCare, and medical assistance programs, effective January 1, 2026. The law mandates no cost-sharing beyond what's required for maternity coverage (e.g., no extra deductibles), prohibits benefit limits specific to fertility care, and allows up to four completed oocyte retrievals per year. The state will reimburse health plans for coverage costs that wouldn’t have been provided without this law, using funds appropriated annually. This directly affects Minnesotans seeking infertility care through qualifying health insurance.

Maddy summaryHF 1487 requires health insurance companies, dental organizations, and third-party administrators to submit detailed data on fully denied claims to Minnesota's all-payer claims database. This includes specific fields like denial reasons, claim identifiers, and adjudication status for each denied claim line. The bill also establishes a fee schedule for researchers and organizations to access this data for studies on health care outcomes, disparities, and spending, while prohibiting uses that could create unfair market advantages or reidentify individuals. All data must be de-identified and protected under strict privacy safeguards.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the rules for Minnesota's Formulary Committee, which decides which prescription drugs are covered by state medical assistance programs. It allows committee members who have potential conflicts of interest to still attend meetings and discuss issues, provided they disclose these interests and step away from specific votes where a conflict exists. The legislation also mandates that the committee seek expert input from the Minnesota Rare Disease Advisory Council before making decisions on prior authorization requirements or placing orphan drugs on preferred lists. Additionally, the bill requires the commissioner of human services to create a public process for receiving comments on the committee's recommendations and sets specific criteria for committee membership and compensation.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Minnesota Department of Health to join the World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network. The commissioner must identify the necessary application process by September 1, 2026, and submit the application by December 1, 2026. This action aims to integrate the state's health response capabilities with a global system for monitoring and addressing disease outbreaks. The legislation does not alter existing funding or staffing but establishes a specific timeline for this international partnership.