1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to human services; modifying ombudsperson program for prepaid health 
1.3 	plans;amending Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256B.69, subdivision 20.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256B.69, subdivision 20, is amended to read:
1.6 		Subd. 20.Ombudsperson.  The commissioner shall designate an ombudsperson to 
1.7 	advocate for persons required to enroll in prepaid health plans under this section. The 
1.8 	ombudsperson shall advocate for recipients enrolled in prepaid health plans through complaint 
1.9 	and appeal procedures and ensure that necessary medical services are provided either by 
1.10 	the prepaid health plan directly or by referral to appropriate social services. At the time of 
1.11 	enrollment in a prepaid health plan, the local agency shall inform recipients about the 
1.12 	ombudsperson program and their right to a resolution of a complaint by the prepaid health 
1.13 	plan if they experience a problem with the plan or its providers. The ombudsperson program 
1.14 	shall include at least one person who has expertise regarding issues encountered by persons 
1.15 	with rare diseases.