Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has reached a settlement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota to improve mental health care access across the state. Following a 2019 investigation, the AG’s Office found that Blue Cross may have imposed unfair treatment limits on mental health services. Although Blue Cross disputes these findings, it agreed to new terms to ensure compliance with Minnesota’s mental health parity laws. The settlement includes faster approvals for behavioral health services and new efforts to expand mental health care access.
Blue Cross will also contribute $600,000 to Minnesota State University-Mankato’s Center for Rural Behavioral Health and faces a potential $300,000 penalty if it fails to meet the agreement terms. This settlement, in place until 2028, aims to equalize mental health care with physical health services, as Ellison emphasizes all Minnesotans deserve accessible, dignified healthcare.