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May 22, 2024
 Consumer Protections for Mental Health Insurance Coverage
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and your mental health is an important part of your overall health. The Minnesota Department of Commerce works to ensure that health insurance carriers regulated by the state meet Mental Health Parity requirements mandated by federal and state laws.
Learn more about consumer protections Commerce provides:
MN Department of Commerce consent order requires UnitedHealthcare to revamp processes for mental health coverage to comply with parity laws
The Minnesota Department of Commerce announced on May 14 a settlement in the form of a Consent Order with UnitedHealthcare that stemmed from the Department’s examination of UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company. The settlement requires UnitedHealthcare to revamp its policies and procedures to ensure that health insurance carriers regulated by the state meets mental health parity. These changes aim to help remove obstacles and expand access to mental health and substance use disorder care for Minnesotans.
“Consumers have the right to access mental health care covered by insurance on par with coverage for other medical care,” Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold said. “Commerce is committed to protecting consumers, ensuring Minnesotans can access mental health care when they need it, and that every insurance company follows the law.”
For more, read the press release and consent order
ALERT: Student Loan Scams
Have you received an email, text message or phone call promising you that your student loans can be forgiven? Or an offer to work fast and save you money on your student loans?
Scammers have been targeting consumers with false promises. One recent email example that came to our attention is as follows:
“Hello this is XXXXX on behalf of the Student-Loan Debt Department. We tried to contact you at your home and did not hear back. Your Student Loans have been marked as eligible for forgiveness under the new 2024 guidelines. Your case number is #XXXXX, and your file will remain open in my system for only one more day. If you could please give your dedicated eligibility line a call. Thank you so much and we hope to hear from you soon.”
If you suspect a communication you receive regarding your student loans may be a scam, please contact the Student Loan Advocate at [email protected], or via our online complaint portal found on our web page.
Minnesotans with student loans have rights under Minnesota's Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights and can also get help from Commerce's Student Loan Advocate for problems working with their student loan service providers. More info here.
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Financial Readiness: A Pathway to Success
 The Department of Commerce partnered with one of the recipients of Real Estate Education and Research Recovery Fund Grantees, Project for Pride in Living(PPL) to host a financial literacy event aimed at both youth and adults. The event, designed to equip participants with essential financial skills, covered topics such as budgeting, savings, and credit management. This collaboration underscores the commitment of Governor Walz, The Department of Commerce, and PPL to fostering economic growth and homeownership opportunities. Attendees gained valuable insights and practical tools to navigate their financial futures more confidently.
View Commissioner Grace Arnold speak about how the Department of Commerce is helping consumers with financial readiness.
Do you have a personal goal you’re working toward?
Maybe it’s buying a car, starting a business, purchasing a home, saving for college, or investing in your retirement. Whatever your goal is, you need a plan to make it happen.
It might seem overwhelming at first, but much like physical fitness, you can improve your financial strength by taking small steps one day at a time.
Some of those steps could be creating a spending and saving plan, improving your credit score, opening a bank account or finding a trusted advisor.
Not sure where to start? Find out how the MN Department of Commerce can help you.
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Commerce in The News
Eight people charged with 67 felonies in Rice County, MN, in $2.6 million Medicaid fraud scheme
For more, read the press release
Governor Walz Announces Minnesota has Received Over $60 Million to Deliver Solar Power, Help Families Save on Energy Costs
To learn more about the Solar for All grant
Governor Walz Requests Federal Funds to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
To learn more about the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program.
Why Buy Flood Insurance?
Flooding is the most frequent and expensive natural disaster in the U.S., according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). However, standard homeowners’ insurance policies don’t usually cover flood damage.
Consider buying a flood insurance policy to protect your home and your finances.
Do I need flood insurance?
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