MinnesotaCare public option establishment

SF 3138 establishes a new public option health insurance plan within MinnesotaCare, expanding coverage to more low-income Minnesotans by creating a state-run health plan available through MNsure (the state's health insurance marketplace). The bill sets income-based premiums for public option enrollees and requires the state to seek a federal waiver to implement the program, as current federal rules restrict such state-run options without approval. This public option would operate alongside existing private health plans, giving consumers an additional choice without replacing or restricting access to current coverage options.