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SF 1408

Insurers prohibition from requiring co-payments for children's mental health services

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Boldon and 2 co-sponsors

Minnesota bill eliminates co-payment requirements for children's mental health insurance coverage to reduce financial barriers to pediatric psychiatric and therapeutic services.

Referred to Commerce and Consumer Protection
#childrenandfamiliesandchildren #youthandfamiliesdepartment #health-mentalhealth #insurance-health
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Bill Summary · SF 1408

Legislative bill overview

SF 1408 prohibits insurance companies from requiring co-payments when children access mental health services. The bill would eliminate out-of-pocket costs at the point of service for pediatric mental health care, making these services fully covered under insurance plans without patient cost-sharing.

Why is this important

Mental health challenges in children are rising, but cost barriers often prevent families from seeking treatment. Removing co-payment requirements could increase access to critical services like therapy and counseling for children whose families might otherwise delay or forgo care due to expense. This addresses both public health outcomes and healthcare equity across income levels.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost impact: Insurers will argue that eliminating co-pays increases their claims costs, which may translate to higher premiums for all policyholders or reduced coverage elsewhere
  • Scope definition: Questions about what qualifies as "mental health services" (psychiatry, therapy, counseling, medication management) and whether the mandate applies to all insurance types (commercial, Medicaid, HMO plans)
  • Unintended consequences: Removing cost-sharing entirely could increase unnecessary utilization or reduce incentives for efficient care delivery, potentially straining provider capacity

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

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