(ST PAUL) – Several new state laws in Minnesota take effect today. Among them, Minnesota health care providers can no longer deny medically necessary health treatment or care to a patient or any member of their family or household because of current or previous outstanding medical debt. They may, however, require the patient enroll in a ‘reasonable’ payment plan. Collection agencies also have new restrictions on how they collect medical debt.
Additionally, starting today, no long-term disability insurance can be offered to Minnesotans without a disclosure including specific information about the limited duration of coverage for mental health or substance abuse use disorders.