MN HF254

Defines "classification of benefits" to include only six categories: inpatient in-network, inpatient out-of-network, outpatient in-network, outpatient out-of-network, prescription drug, and emergency care benefits.

Defines "mental health conditions and substance use disorders" by reference to the International Classification of Disease and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, excluding caffeine, nicotine, paraphilic disorders, specific learning disorders, and sexual dysfunctions.

Prohibits health plans from imposing nonquantitative treatment limitations (NQTLs) on mental health and substance use disorder benefits unless the processes, strategies, and evidentiary standards are comparable to and applied no more stringently than those applied to medical/surgical benefits in the same classification.

Requires health plans to submit annual reports to the commissioner by March 1 containing descriptions of coverage criteria, identification of all NQTLs, comparative analyses demonstrating parity compliance, denial rates by benefit classification, and certifications signed by chief executive and medical officers.

Requires the commissioners of commerce and health to implement and enforce federal parity requirements, accept and respond to complaints, evaluate parity compliance, and issue annual reports to the legislature beginning May 1, 2021 describing their oversight activities and enforcement actions.