HF 2036 Summary

• Commissioner of commerce must study disparities between Minnesota's nine geographic rating areas in individual and small group health insurance markets and recommend ways to reduce or eliminate rate disparities.

• Commissioner must identify factors causing higher rates in certain areas, determine impact of referral centers on southeastern Minnesota rates, and examine strategies used by individuals and employers to obtain insurance in lower-cost areas.

• Commissioner must develop and examine at least three proposals for redrawing geographic rating area boundaries, with at least one option reducing the number of areas, considering provider networks, referral patterns, and federal regulatory compliance.

• Commissioner may contract with another entity for technical assistance and must submit a completed study and recommendations report by January 1, 2022, to legislative committees with jurisdiction over health care and health insurance.

• An unspecified amount from the general fund is appropriated to the commissioner of commerce in fiscal year 2022 to conduct the study and report.