Minnesota Session Laws - 1998, Regular Session

                            CHAPTER 334-H.F.No. 2814 
                  An act relating to health; establishing a minimum 
                  definition of durable medical equipment; requiring 
                  disclosure of covered medical equipment and supplies; 
                  proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, 
                  chapter 62Q. 
        BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
           Section 1.  [62Q.66] [DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT COVERAGE.] 
           No health plan company that covers durable medical 
        equipment may utilize medical coverage criteria for durable 
        medical equipment that limits coverage solely to equipment used 
        in the home. 
           Sec. 2.  [62Q.67] [DISCLOSURE OF COVERED DURABLE MEDICAL 
        EQUIPMENT.] 
           Subdivision 1.  [DISCLOSURE.] A health plan company that 
        covers durable medical equipment shall provide enrollees, and 
        upon request prospective enrollees, written disclosure that 
        includes the information set forth in subdivision 2.  The health 
        plan company may include the information in the member contract, 
        certificate of coverage, schedule of payments, member handbook, 
        or other written enrollee communication. 
           Subd. 2.  [INFORMATION TO BE DISCLOSED.] A health plan 
        company that covers durable medical equipment shall disclose the 
        following information: 
           (a) general descriptions of the coverage for durable 
        medical equipment, level of coverage available, and criteria and 
        procedures for any required prior authorizations; and 
           (b) the address and telephone number of a health plan 
        representative whom an enrollee may contact to obtain specific 
        information verbally, or upon request in writing, about prior 
        authorization including criteria used in making coverage 
        decisions and information on limitations or exclusions for 
        durable medical equipment. 
           Sec. 3.  [EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION.] 
           Sections 1 and 2 are effective January 1, 1999, and apply 
        to health plans issued, renewed, or continued as defined in 
        Minnesota Statutes, section 60A.02, subdivision 2a, to provide 
        coverage to a Minnesota resident on or after that date. 
           Presented to the governor March 23, 1998 
           Signed by the governor March 25, 1998, 9:48 a.m.