Purpose

The bill requires health plans to create a maternal mental health program to improve care for pregnant and postpartum people and directs the Medical Assistance program to cover this program, with funding to support it.

Main provisions

• Maternal mental health program requirement

  • Health plans must include a maternal mental health program.
  • The program must provide comprehensive and effective care for pregnant and postpartum individuals.

• Screening requirements

  • At least one maternal mental health screening during pregnancy.
  • At least one additional screening during the first six weeks after birth.
  • Additional postpartum screenings as medically necessary or appropriate, as determined by the treating provider.

• Reimbursement for providers

  • Health plans must reimburse providers for all services under this program, including screenings, diagnosing conditions, and coordinating treatment.
  • Reimbursement must be at least equal to the provider’s cost to perform the service.

• Resources and referrals

  • Health plans must give healthcare professionals access to resources and referrals to trained perinatal mental health providers.
  • This includes access to behavioral health specialists and support networks to ensure timely and effective care.

• Prompt referrals when clinically indicated

  • Health plans may not intentionally or reasonably delay referrals to a qualified behavioral health professional when it is clinically indicated.

• Clinical indications for referral

  • Referrals can be prompted by a positive result on a mental health test administered by a health professional.
  • Enrollees who report suicidal ideation during the perinatal period also trigger referral considerations.

• Coverage and funding changes

  • The Medical Assistance program must cover the maternal mental health program.
  • Money is appropriated to support this program.

How this changes existing law

• Adds a new subdivision (3a) to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 62A.0411 establishing the mandatory maternal mental health program for health plans.
• Requires that screenings, referral processes, and provider reimbursements align with the program’s goals and ensure timely access to care.
• Creates requirements around clinical indications and minimizing delays in referrals to behavioral health professionals during the perinatal period.
• Expands state health coverage to include maternal mental health services through the Medical Assistance program.

Implementation notes

• Targets pregnant and postpartum individuals, focusing on perinatal mental health needs.
• Emphasizes coordination of care, timely access, and financial support for providers delivering these services.

Relevant terms - maternal mental health program - perinatal period - pregnant and postpartum individuals - maternal mental health screening - postpartum screenings - clinically indicated - treating provider - behavioral health care professional - positive test for a mental health condition - suicidal ideation - perinatal mental health providers - behavioral health specialists - support networks - timely and effective care - reimbursement - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 62A.0411 - Medical Assistance program - health plan - resources and referrals - treatment coordination