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Providers tell committee closed insurer networks are limiting access; measure to restore any-willing-provider rules laid over
Summary
Community mental-health and substance-use disorder providers testified that insurer network denials block hiring, disrupt continuity of care and reduce access statewide; the committee laid the sponsor's bill over for additional work.
Multiple providers and clinic owners told the Senate Health and Human Services Committee April 9 that insurer contracting decisions and so-called network saturation are preventing licensed clinicians from joining local practices, disrupting continuity of care, and reducing access to mental-health and substance-use services.
Sponsor remarks framed Senate File 37.05 as a repeal of a sunset that would reinstate an any-willing-provider approach to prevent commercial panels from excluding qualified clinicians. Testimony from licensed counselors, clinic owners and association representatives described repeated denials of contract requests labeled 'network full' even in areas with severe workforce shortages.
Roman (a licensed professional clinical counselor), Andy Carr (licensed marriage and family therapist and clinic owner), and clinic leaders who testified described patients who cannot follow therapists to new practices because the clinician cannot obtain an insurer contract. One clinic executive said HealthPartners informed the clinic it would not renew a contract, leaving thousands of patients suddenly without in-network options.
Witnesses argued that denying contracts for administrative reasons adds to wait lists, increases emergency-department use, and undermines small community providers who deliver flexible, relationship-based care. Members acknowledged the seriousness of network-related access problems and said the committee would explore additional approaches.
Next steps: Senate File 37.05 was laid over; committee members signaled additional legislative and policy work would follow, including consideration of alternative proposals to address contracting and network oversight.
