SF 1745

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 03/07/2017 09:06am

A bill for an act
relating to human services; modifying ombudsperson program for prepaid health
plans; amending Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256B.69, subdivision 20.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256B.69, subdivision 20, is amended to read:

Subd. 20.

Ombudsperson.

The commissioner shall designate an ombudsperson to
advocate for persons required to enroll in prepaid health plans under this section. The
ombudsperson shall advocate for recipients enrolled in prepaid health plans through complaint
and appeal procedures and ensure that necessary medical services are provided either by
the prepaid health plan directly or by referral to appropriate social services. At the time of
enrollment in a prepaid health plan, the local agency shall inform recipients about the
ombudsperson program and their right to a resolution of a complaint by the prepaid health
plan if they experience a problem with the plan or its providers. new text begin The ombudsperson program
shall include at least one person who has expertise regarding issues encountered by persons
with rare diseases.
new text end