Minnesota To Require Insurers, Providers To File Claims Electronically
Minnesota Department of Health officials on Wednesday announced that all health care providers and insurers in the state will be required to file their claims electronically in a standard format beginning in 2009, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. State Health Commissioner Diane Mandernach cited a study by America's Health Insurance Plans that showed electronic claims cost 85 cents each, compared to $1.58 for claims submitted on paper. Mandernach, said, "We anticipate many positive results including more efficient care and lower costs."
The law will apply to business-to-business transactions and those among insurers, providers and the state. In addition, worker's compensation claims, medical claims filed through automobile insurance plans, claims for chiropractors, dentists and pharmacists, and public programs all fall under the rule. The requirement was included in a broad health and human services bill approved earlier this year by state lawmakers. A group of payers, providers and state agencies is creating the standardized electronic claim format (Phelps, Minneapolis Star Tribune, 6/27).
