Minnesota Disability Statute

Minnesota Disability Statute 62A.147,148
Law Requiring Employers to offer Medical Benefits

Test Yourself!

Minnesota Continuation Statutes place many requirements on employers. How many do you know?

1) How long can a disabled employee continue medical coverage when insured with a Minnesota employer using a fully insured health plan?

A.) 18 months
B.) 29 months
C.) 36 months
D.) For as long as they are disabled

2) How much can the employer charge the disabled person for continuation of coverage?

A.) 102% of the billed premium
B.) 150% of the billed premium
C.) The employer pays 100% of the cost
D.) 100% of the billed premium

Answer Key:

1.) D
2.) D

1. General Requirements

The statute prohibits an employer or insurer from terminating, suspending or restricting the participation in or receipt of benefits otherwise payable to any covered employee who becomes totally disabled while employed by the employer solely on account of absence caused by such total disability. The employer may pass on the entire premium payment to the disabled employee.

2. Definition of "Covered Employee"

The term "covered employee" includes any person who, at the time of the total disability, was receiving compensation for services by an employer who provided, offered or contributed to a group insurance plan for the disabled employee.

3. Definition of "Total Disability"

The term "total disability" means:

a. the inability of an injured or ill employee to engage in or perform the duties of the employee's regular occupation or employment with the first two (2) years of such disability; or

b. after the first two years of such disability, the inability of the employee to engage in any paid employment or work for which he may, by education and training, including rehabilitative training, be or reasonably become qualified.

4. Definition of "Group Insurance"

The term "group insurance" includes any policy of health and accident protection which provides benefits, including cash payments for the payment of expenses or the provision of usual needed health care and medical services as a result of an injury, sickness, disability or disease suffered by a group of employees and which protection through the employer.