MN HF3818

Commissioner of Commerce must study disparities in health insurance rates across Minnesota's nine geographic rating areas for individual and small group markets and recommend ways to reduce or eliminate these disparities.

Study must identify factors causing higher rates in certain areas, assess the impact of referral centers on southeastern Minnesota rates, and determine whether individuals and employers are obtaining insurance in lower-cost areas.

Commissioner must develop and examine at least three proposals for redrawing geographic rating area boundaries, including at least one option that reduces the number of areas and one based on first three digits of zip codes, while disregarding certain statutory requirements.

All boundary redrawing proposals must be designed to reduce rate disparities, consider existing provider networks and referral patterns, and comply with federal regulations under Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, section 147.102(b).

Commissioner must submit a completed report with study findings and recommendations to legislative committees with health care and health insurance jurisdiction by January 1, 2023, and may contract with external entities for technical assistance.