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Committee hears bill to exempt chiropractors from provider tax while Medicaid coverage is unresolved
Summary
Representative Robbins introduced House File 40-48 to exempt chiropractors from the provider tax after the state removed chiropractic coverage from certain medical-assistance programs. Chiropractors and lawmakers said restoring coverage is preferable but an exemption is needed now to prevent business harm.
House Taxes Committee heard House File 40-48, a proposal to exempt chiropractors from Minnesota's provider tax following changes to medical-assistance coverage that removed chiropractic services from some programs.
Dr. Adam (self-identified) and Dr. Christopher Joe, both practicing chiropractors and leaders within the Minnesota Chiropractic Association, testified that the elimination of coverage reduced patient visits by as much as 70% in some clinics and left many small practices unable to absorb the provider tax burden without reimbursement. "Nearly all chiropractors in Minnesota... accept or opted into the medical assistance program," one testified, and said firms now face administrative and financial strain.
Several committee members said their preference is to restore reimbursement through the health committee, and multiple members urged that reinstatement remain the ultimate goal. Representative Robbins said the exemption is intended as interim relief "until the care benefit is restored." The committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion in the House taxes omnibus bill.
