Minnesota Families Fight Insurers for Critical Care

Parents in Minnesota are resorting to extreme measures to ensure their vulnerable children receive necessary in-home nursing care, as private insurers Medica and HealthPartners have significantly reduced coverage. These children require round-the-clock registered nurses for life support, and the insurers' decision to provide only partial care has left families in a desperate situation. For instance, one child qualified for 4,400 hours of home care nursing annually, but Medica is now reportedly covering only 240 hours. Despite advocacy from some lawmakers, including Senator Liz Boldon, legislative support has been insufficient. Families feel let down by regulatory bodies and are pursuing legal action against the insurers. One lawsuit filed against Medica seeks immediate reinstatement of coverage, citing that state statutes mandate full coverage without limitations. The insurers previously stated they re-evaluated benefits and suggested families seek federal aid, but parents emphasize the critical nature of this home care for their children's survival.