Sen. Alice Mann

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 3489) shortens the time limit for filing medical malpractice lawsuits in Minnesota from four years to two years after the injury occurs. It also caps noneconomic damages (for pain, suffering, and inconvenience) at $500,000 per case and restricts judgments against healthcare providers' personal income or assets unless the provider acted willfully/maliciously or lacked $1 million in insurance coverage. The changes apply to lawsuits filed on or after August 1, 2025, directly affecting patients seeking compensation and healthcare providers facing liability. Key provisions include the reduced filing deadline, damage limits, and asset protection rules for providers.

Maddy summarySF 3854 clarifies Minnesota's process for evaluating pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) contracts to decide whether to use competitive bidding for future contracts. The bill requires the state to compare actual prescription drug costs under the current 2023-2024 PBM contract with projected costs from the previous 2018-2022 contract (adjusted for formulary and usage changes) by March 1, 2025. The legislative auditor must then verify this comparison by April 1, 2025. If the analysis shows no savings, the state may skip competitive bidding for the next PBM contract; if savings were achieved, competitive bidding must be used; and if inconclusive, the state may also skip bidding.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 3970) modifies Minnesota's foster care benefit rules to extend eligibility for youth aged 18-26. It specifically includes young adults who had permanent legal and physical custody transferred to a relative after turning 10, rather than requiring custody transfer before age 10. The key change amends statutes to ensure these youth qualify for continued foster care benefits (including medical assistance) until age 26, aligning with federal Medicaid rules under the Affordable Care Act. This policy directly affects youth aging out of foster care who transition to relative custody after age 10, expanding access to support services during their transition to adulthood.

Maddy summarySF 508 requires Minnesota school districts and charter schools to adopt cell phone policies by March 2025, with specific restrictions taking effect in the 2026-2027 school year. It prohibits cell phones and smart watches for students in grades K-8 throughout school, and in classrooms for grades 9-12, with exceptions for medical devices, individualized education programs (IEPs), or principal discretion. The bill appropriates funds for a statewide campaign about screen time effects (to be delivered to parents from early childhood through grade 12) and one-time implementation grants for schools to adopt these policies, covering onetime expenses like technology or training but not ongoing costs. The policy directly affects all K-12 public school students and school staff in Minnesota.

Maddy summarySF 3702 requires Minnesota's medical assistance (Medicaid) and MinnesotaCare programs to cover the removal of intrauterine devices (IUDs) as a standard benefit. This policy directly affects enrollees in these programs who need IUD removal services. The bill amends state law to add IUD removal to covered services under Minnesota Statutes 256B.0625, effective January 1, 2027, or after federal approval. Funding for this coverage is appropriated from the general fund and health care access fund for fiscal years 2027-2029. The change ensures no out-of-pocket costs for IUD removals under these public health programs.

Maddy summarySF 3712 modifies rules for health insurance review groups (utilization review organizations) in Minnesota. It requires these groups to contact a patient's doctor before denying care, sets a 5-day deadline for review decisions, and mandates clear written explanations for denials - including appeal options. The bill creates a legal cause of action for patients/providers if denials are wrongful, allows fines for organizations with high denial reversal rates (over 40%), and requires culturally appropriate appeal notices. It directly affects patients, healthcare providers, and health insurance companies by strengthening oversight and transparency in prior authorization decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits health insurance plans in Minnesota from requiring prior authorization for prescription drugs that an enrollee has been taking consistently for at least six consecutive months. It directly affects health insurers and enrollees by eliminating unnecessary administrative hurdles for ongoing medications. The key provision adds a specific exception to prior authorization requirements under Minnesota Statutes §62M.07, ensuring continuous access to prescribed drugs without insurer approval after a six-month treatment period. The change applies to all health benefit plans offered, sold, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies requirements for intensive residential and nonresidential mental health treatment services in Minnesota. It specifies that room and board services provided through these programs are now eligible for payment from the behavioral health fund. Facilities must complete detailed assessments within strict timelines (e.g., health/safety evaluation within 12 hours of admission, initial treatment plan within 24 hours) and document client progress toward transitioning to other settings. The bill directly affects mental health facilities providing these services and their clients receiving intensive treatment. These changes aim to standardize care planning and payment eligibility under Minnesota Statutes sections 245I.23 and 254B.04.

Maddy summarySF 3626 would establish an interstate compact to streamline teacher licensing across participating states. It creates a shared system where states can more easily recognize each other's licenses, reducing barriers for teachers moving between states and specifically supporting military spouses relocating due to service. The compact would set up a commission to manage shared rules for license reciprocity while allowing states to maintain their own licensing standards. This would directly affect teachers seeking employment in new states and military families, making it easier to obtain licensure without repeating requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires entities administering very high deductible health plans (VHDHPs) to ensure prompt payment for emergency room and ambulance charges incurred by enrolled patients. It directly affects patients with VHDHPs (who often face high out-of-pocket costs during emergencies) and the health plan administrators managing their coverage. The key mechanism adds a new requirement that VHDHP administrators must comply with specific payment procedures outlined in section 62Q.025, subdivision 3, ensuring emergency providers receive timely payment. This policy change aims to prevent patients from facing excessive financial burdens during medical emergencies while clarifying administrative responsibilities for VHDHPs.