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HF 35

Health plans required to develop a maternal mental health program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Bierman and 11 co-sponsors

Health plans must create and run a standardized maternal mental health program with screening, referrals, and coordinated access to care for pregnant and postpartum enrollees.

Author added Freiberg
#childrenandminors #insurance-health #women
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Bill Summary · HF 35

Summary: HF 35 (Minnesota) — Health plans required to develop a maternal mental health program

Overview

HF 35 is a Minnesota bill introduced in the 2025-2026 session that would require health plans to establish and implement a maternal mental health program. The measure aims to improve access to screening, identification, referral, and treatment for maternal mental health conditions among individuals covered by health plans subject to the bill.

Purpose and intent

  • Establish a standardized maternal mental health program within health plans to address mental health needs of individuals during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
  • Promote early detection and timely intervention for conditions such as perinatal depression and anxiety.
  • Improve coordination of care between obstetric/gynecologic services and mental health providers.
  • Reduce maternal morbidity and potential adverse outcomes associated with untreated maternal mental health conditions.

Key provisions (as proposed)

  • Requirement for health plans to develop and maintain a maternal mental health program.
  • Components likely to be included (typical elements in similar proposals; exact language may specify):
    • Routine screening and assessment protocols for maternal mental health during prenatal and postnatal care.
    • Clear referral pathways to appropriate mental health services, including specialty care as needed.
    • Education and resources for enrollees about maternal mental health risks, signs and symptoms, and treatment options.
    • Care coordination mechanisms between obstetric care providers and mental health professionals.
    • Coverage standards ensuring access to indicated mental health services, possibly including psychotherapy, counseling, and medication management where appropriate.
    • Privacy and consent considerations for screening and treatment.
  • Implementation timeline and oversight:
    • Deadlines for health plans to establish the program.
    • Reporting or certification requirements to a state department or regulatory body.
    • Potential compliance review or enforcement provisions if applicable.

Who is affected

  • Health plans regulated under Minnesota law (e.g., commercial insurers, health maintenance organizations, and potentially certain state-regulated plans) would be required to adopt and maintain the maternal mental health program.
  • Enrollees/patients covered by these health plans, particularly pregnant individuals and those in the postpartum period, would benefit from standardized screening, referrals, and access to mental health services.
  • Healthcare providers (obstetricians, pediatricians, primary care, and mental health professionals) may experience increased coordination obligations and referral processes.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and first reading occurred in early March 2025, with referral to Commerce Finance and Policy.
  • The bill lists a broad group of sponsors and co-sponsors indicating bipartisan and cross-ideological support on maternal health issues.
  • Specific implementation dates, reporting deadlines, and enforcement mechanisms would be defined in the bill’s text, including any phase-in period for health plans to comply.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Access and quality: Standardized maternal mental health screening and referral processes could improve early detection and continuity of care.
  • Costs: Health plans may incur costs to implement screening tools, training, care coordination, and expanded access to services; these costs could be reflected in premium pricing or plan designs.
  • Equity: A well-implemented program could reduce disparities in maternal mental health care by ensuring uniform screening and access to services across enrollees.
  • Privacy and consent: The bill would need clear provisions to protect patient privacy and consent for screening and treatment.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to match the exact language once the bill text is available, and add a section mapping to similar existing Minnesota statutes or to federal frameworks for maternal mental health if helpful.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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