Minnesota Session Laws - 1997, Regular Session

                             CHAPTER 57-S.F.No. 495 
                  An act relating to insurance; health; requiring 
                  coverage for diabetes outpatient self-management 
                  training and education; amending Minnesota Statutes 
                  1996, section 62A.45. 
        BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
           Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 62A.45, is 
        amended to read: 
           62A.45 [COVERAGE FOR EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES FOR DIABETES.] 
           A health plan, including a plan providing the coverage 
        specified in section 62A.011, subdivision 3, clause (10), must 
        provide coverage for:  (1) all physician prescribed medically 
        appropriate and necessary equipment and supplies used in the 
        management and treatment of diabetes; and (2) diabetes 
        outpatient self-management training and education, including 
        medical nutrition therapy, that is provided by a certified, 
        registered, or licensed health care professional working in a 
        program consistent with the national standards of diabetes 
        self-management education as established by the American 
        Diabetes Association.  Coverage must include persons with 
        gestational, type I or type II diabetes.  Coverage required 
        under this section is subject to the same deductible or 
        coinsurance provisions applicable to the plan's hospital, 
        medical expense, medical equipment, or prescription drug 
        benefits.  A health carrier may not reduce or eliminate coverage 
        due to this requirement. 
           Sec. 2.  [EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION.] 
           Section 1 is effective August 1, 1997, and applies to all 
        health plans issued or renewed to provide coverage for Minnesota 
        residents on or after that date. 
           Presented to the governor April 24, 1997 
           Signed by the governor April 28, 1997, 10:50 a.m.