HF 488 Summary

• Establishes the Minnesota Health Plan to provide universal health coverage for all Minnesota residents with no cost-sharing (deductibles, copays, or coinsurance)

• Creates a 15-member Minnesota Health Board to administer the plan, set provider payment rates, establish premiums based on ability to pay, and oversee the Minnesota Health Fund and Office of Health Quality and Planning

• Covers all medically necessary care including dental, vision, hearing, mental health, prescription drugs, long-term care, and home care while eliminating administrative bureaucracy

• Requires the plan to become operational within two years and prohibits the sale of private health insurance plans for covered services once implementation begins

• Establishes an independent Ombudsman Office for Patient Advocacy and an Auditor General position to oversee fraud and ensure plan accountability