S.F. No. 118 - Minnesota Health Plan Summary

• Establishes a universal state health insurance plan covering all Minnesota residents with comprehensive benefits including medical services, prescription drugs, dental care, mental health services, and long-term care with no cost-sharing

• Creates a Minnesota Health Board (15 members), Minnesota Health Fund, and Office of Health Quality and Planning to administer the plan, funded through progressive premiums based on ability to pay and a business health tax

• Eliminates private health insurance for services covered by the plan once operational, with implementation required within two years of enactment

• Establishes an independent Ombudsman Office for Patient Advocacy to handle grievances and an Inspector General to investigate fraud, with binding authority to resolve patient complaints

• Prohibits cost-sharing through deductibles or co-payments, prevents denial of medically necessary care to control costs, and allows patients to choose their own providers without referral requirements