MN HF3036

Establishes MinnesotaCare defined contribution program beginning January 1, 2011, providing monthly defined contributions to enrollees with gross family income exceeding 133 percent of federal poverty guidelines to purchase health coverage.

Creates sliding scale of defined contributions based on age and income level, ranging from 150 percent of base contribution for those at 133-134 percent of poverty guidelines to 80 percent for those at 275 percent of poverty guidelines.

Exempts eligible enrollees from insurance barriers, premium charges, and managed care enrollment requirements specified in existing MinnesotaCare statute sections.

Requires commissioner to pay premiums to health plan companies, Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association, or employers using defined contributions, with enrollees able to select professional insurance agents for assistance.

Directs commissioner to develop and present plan by December 15, 2010, to redesign service delivery for lower-income MinnesotaCare enrollees focusing on improved continuity of care, reduced emergency room visits, and private sector health plan coverage.

Requires modification of Minnesota health care program application to ask if applicants are U.S. military veterans, with referral to county veterans service officers for Veterans Administration form DD214 completion to determine VA benefits eligibility.