MN SF2837

Modifies autism spectrum disorder (ASD) coverage under medical assistance by simplifying eligibility to require only an ASD diagnosis and medically necessary care meeting Minnesota Rules criteria, removing the prior requirement for a diagnostic assessment recommending early intensive intervention services.

Changes diagnosis requirements from requiring both a licensed physician/advanced practice registered nurse AND a mental health professional to requiring either one, reducing barriers to accessing diagnostic services.

Reduces parental contribution rates for medical assistance services, with sliding scale percentages decreased across all income levels (e.g., from 2.76% to 1% at 275% of federal poverty level) and adds a cap limiting parental fees to the maximum child-only insurance premium under federal law.

Modifies progress evaluation requirements for ongoing eligibility to require evaluation after the first six months of treatment and then no more than once every 12 months (rather than after each period), and allows treatment to continue during evaluation processes and appeals.

Requires the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association to continue providing ASD coverage for children under 18 beyond any phase-out, with premiums not exceeding average child-only insurance premiums, contingent on private insurance mandates not being expanded by August 1, 2014.