Minn. House approves commerce omnibus bill including repeal of a Medigap open‑enrollment protection; 112-19

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota House passed House File 2403 on third reading on May 1, 2025, advancing a wide-ranging commerce policy bill that includes a provision repealing a state law that had created a Medigap (Medicare supplemental insurance) open‑enrollment protection. The bill passed the House as amended by a roll-call vote of 112 yeas to 19 nays.

Representative O'Driscoll, the bill's author and a House member from Stearns, opened debate by describing HF2403 as “the second part of the commerce work product this session,” and summarized a package of technical updates, financing provisions, electronic‑signature modernization, fuel regulation language, continuing education rules for appraisers, and changes to how insurers provide policy copies to policyholders.

The change that drew the most floor attention would roll back a state law that had preserved an open‑enrollment period allowing Medicare beneficiaries to obtain Medigap coverage without medical underwriting in certain circumstances. Representative Marion Liebling of Olmsted argued the repeal would “repeal some very important health insurance protections for your constituents who are seniors on Medicare,” saying the change would trap some seniors in Medicare Advantage plans and could leave them with higher out‑of‑pocket costs if they later tried to return to original Medicare with a Medigap plan.

Liebling offered amendment A12 to block the repeal; she described the policy background, including a delayed implementation date referenced in committee materials and letters from groups such as AARP and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. After a floor explanation, Liebling said she would vote against the underlying bill and then withdrew A12.

Several other floor amendments were offered and adopted. Representative O'Driscoll moved amendment A11 to remove a section that required additional fine‑tuning; the amendment was adopted by voice vote. Representative Herr moved amendment A13 to delete a provision concerning plain‑language garnishment forms; that amendment was adopted. A separate amendment that removed language allowing the Minnesota Insurance Guarantee Association to request certain financial information also was adopted.

Floor debate included brief statements from newer committee members who praised the committee's work but noted disagreement about the Medigap repeal. Representative Finke said she supported the bill and singled out a provision described as a “free water” measure. Representative Smith of Olmsted and Representative Liebling said they would vote no because of concerns about the Medigap provision. Representative Herr and Representative O'Driscoll urged colleagues to vote their consciences and move the bill forward, noting further negotiation would occur in conference.

After amendments were adopted and no further floor debate, the clerk called the roll. The clerk announced a final tally of 112 yeas and 19 nays; the bill passed as amended and the House agreed to its title.

Actions taken on the floor were limited to amendments and final passage; Representative Liebling withdrew her amendment to preserve the Medigap open‑enrollment protection and said she would vote against final passage. The bill now proceeds to the Senate/next legislative step according to standard House procedure.

Votes at a glance: - Amendment A11 (author: Representative O'Driscoll) — removed a section for further refinement; adopted (voice vote). - Amendment A13 (author: Representative Herr) — deleted a plain‑language garnishment form requirement; adopted (voice vote). - Amendment A12 (author: Representative Liebling) — would have preserved Medigap open‑enrollment protections; withdrawn by the author. - Final passage (House File 2403, as amended) — passed by roll call, 112 yeas, 19 nays.

Background: HF2403 is a commerce policy omnibus bill that packages many technical and consumer measures; supporters described it as largely noncontroversial except for the Medigap repeal. Republican and Democratic members expressed differing views about the Medigap change’s effects on seniors. Proponents said the bill modernizes administrative processes; opponents said the Medigap repeal could reduce options for seniors who need to return to original Medicare.

Reporting note: Direct quotations in this report are taken from House floor remarks by Representative O'Driscoll and Representative Liebling during HF2403 third‑reading debate.