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HF 1806

Health plans required to provide coverage for nonopioid and nonpharmacologic pain management.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dave Baker and 2 co-sponsors

HF 1806 would require Minnesota health plans to cover nonopioid and nonpharmacologic pain management, expanding patient access and potentially reducing opioid use.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Commerce Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 1806

HF 1806 — Health plans required to provide coverage for nonopioid and nonpharmacologic pain management

Overview

HF 1806 is a Minnesota bill introduced on March 3, 2025, titled “Health plans required to provide coverage for nonopioid and nonpharmacologic pain management.” The bill is in its introductory stage and has been referred to the Commerce Finance and Policy committee. A companion bill exists in the Senate, SF 1946.

Purpose and intent

  • Based on the title, HF 1806 would mandate health plans to provide coverage for nonopioid and nonpharmacologic approaches to pain management. The objective suggested by the bill’s title is to reduce reliance on opioids and promote alternative pain treatment modalities.
  • Specific definitions, covered modalities, and scope of coverage are not provided in the available summary.

Status and timeline

  • Introduced: March 3, 2025
  • First reading: March 3, 2025
  • Referred to: Commerce Finance and Policy
  • Next steps (typical legislative process): If advanced, the bill would likely receive committee hearings, potential amendments, and then votes in the full House. If approved, it would move to the Senate for consideration, with a companion SF 1946 guiding parallel discussion.

Key provisions (not specified in the available text)

  • The exact provisions, including:
    • Which nonopioid and nonpharmacologic modalities are covered (e.g., physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, etc.)
    • Definitions of pain management modalities and any medical necessity criteria
    • Cost-sharing, deductibles, copays, and any annual or lifetime limits
    • Provider network requirements and in-network/out-of-network policies
    • Exemptions or carve-outs (e.g., grandfathered plans, government programs)
    • Enforcement, appeals, and compliance mechanisms
  • These details would be contained in the full bill text, which is not included in the available information.

Affected parties

  • Primary: Health plans and insurers operating in Minnesota that would be required to cover nonopioid and nonpharmacologic pain management.
  • Enrollees/patients: Individuals enrolled in affected health plans who could gain coverage for alternative pain management therapies.
  • Healthcare providers: Practitioners delivering nonopioid and nonpharmacologic pain management services who may see changes in reimbursement or referral patterns.
  • Employers and plan sponsors: If they offer self-insured or fully insured plans, they could be indirectly affected by changes in coverage requirements.

Related legislation

  • Companion bill: SF 1946 (Senate)

Practical considerations and monitoring

  • Since the bill is in early introduction, it is important to monitor for:
    • The specific modalities and criteria included in the final text
    • Potential cost implications for premiums or plan design
    • Compliance deadlines, transition periods, and enforcement provisions
    • Any amendments arising during committee consideration

How to track

  • Watch HF 1806’s progress in the Minnesota House Commerce Finance and Policy committee and follow the companion SF 1946 in the Senate for parallel movement and potential convergence on a final version.

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

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