Individual Minnesota Health Insurance Regulations

In Minnesota, individual health insurance policies are not required to be guaranteed issue. This means that the health insurance company can medically underwrite a health insurance application and decline it because of a pre-existing medical condition. All individual health insurance plans in Minnesota are not the same, so the benefits of each health plan will vary. When a health insurance plan is medically underwritten, the insurance company has the right to do the following during the application process: 1) refuse health coverage based on the applicant's health history 2) agree to give coverage, but set specific limitations to the health plan, or 3) agree to give full coverage. In Minnesota, insurance companies are permitted to perform a 6 month history check and a 12 month period of exclusion for a pre-existing condition if the applicant has not had health insurance coverage in the past. For an individual that has had past health coverage, Minnesota does not permit a 6 month history check or a 12 month period of exclusion. Under Minnesota State law, elimination riders, or modifications to the insurance policy which would permit the health insurance carrier to refuse coverage for a specific health condition, are not allowed. Premium rates for individual health insurance plans in Minnesota are based upon the applicant's health condition, age, occupation and location; however, the applicant's gender does not determine the insurance rate.

Small Group Health Insurance in Minnesota Quotes and Regulations

In Minnesota, if a company has 2 to 50 employees, it is defined as a small employer group. So no group can be declined health insurance coverage because of past or current health history, small group health insurance in Minnesota is issued on a guarantee-issue basis. In order to join an employer-sponsored health plan, some employers may require every employee to adhere to a waiting period before they become eligible to join the small group health insurance plan. After the waiting period has ended and you are eligible to join, you cannot be denied coverage. However, the health insurance company has the right to perform a 6 month history check/12 month period of exclusion on all applicants if they lack prior creditable coverage. This stipulation allows the health insurance carrier to find out information on pre-existing health conditions so they can add a 12 month exclusionary period. Treatment of pre-existing health conditions is not covered by the health insurance plan when this occurs. Under these circumstances, the maximum amount of time for this period would be 12 months. Also, Minnesota small group health insurance rates can be underwritten medically with a rate adjustment factor of 25%.

Minnesota COBRA and Continuation Coverage

Laws for the Minnesota mini-COBRA plans expect businesses of 2-19 employees to offer COBRA options that are the equivalent to options for employers who have 20 or more employees. This is under federal COBRA law. If a qualifying event occurs that forces you to lose your health insurance benefits under the group plan, COBRA continuation coverage becomes available. You can remain on your last employer's group health insurance plan in Minnesota and you receive the same coverage level for 18 months, under COBRA. You are responsible for paying the premium amounts that were previously paid by your employer, in addition to a 2% administration fee. For persons that have used up their COBRA option, there are individual conversion plans available. Minnesota's high-risk pool for health insurance provides coverage to anyone that is eligible for HIPAA, no matter what the status of their health is.

Enter your zip code above to receive a free health insurance quote in Michigan.

Major medical insurance quotes in Minnesota