MN SF3238

Modifies the definition of essential community providers under Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 62Q.19 to clarify language regarding service integration for uninsured and underserved populations.

Adds explicit criteria allowing former state hospitals specializing in cerebral palsy, spina bifida, epilepsy, closed head injuries, and related disabling conditions to qualify as essential community providers.

Establishes sole community hospital designation for rural hospitals with fewer than 40 licensed beds that meet federal eligibility standards or are located in communities with populations under 5,000 and more than 25 miles from similar hospitals, provided they have experienced net operating losses in two of three recent fiscal years.

Exempts health plan companies with fewer than 50,000 enrollees whose enrollees are covered exclusively under medical assistance, general assistance medical care, or MinnesotaCare from the definition of health plan company.

Authorizes the commissioner to order health plan companies to compensate essential community providers for expenses and damages caused by noncompliance with essential community provider requirements.