Review 2026 benefit changes

Providers are encouraged to review the following benefit changes as of Jan. 1, 2026.

Chiropractic services are limited to members under the age of 21. This means for Medicaid and MinnesotaCare members 21 and over, chiropractic services are no longer covered. This results from a new Minnesota law in 2026.
- However, if a chiropractor is a licensed provider for other services such as acupuncture, this would be covered as acupuncture (which can be a covered service) with a different billing code than chiropractic services. Per DHS, chiropractors who have complied with the Minnesota Board of Chiropractic Examiners acupuncture registration requirements are considered licensed providers.
Members are limited to 14 visits per year for physical therapy and 24 visits per year for occupational therapy unless prior authorization for a greater number is obtained.
The timing of some prior authorization decisions is changing.
- Standard prior authorization decisions for services (except outpatient drugs) must be decided within 5 business days of receipt of the request for services. The previous timeframe was 10 business days.
- Urgent prior authorization requests must be determined within 48 hours (including one business day) of receipt of the request for services. The previous timeframe was 72 hours.
- Standard appeals must be resolved within 15 days of receipt with a potential extension of 4 days. The previous timeframe was 30 days.
The latest Hennepin Health prior authorization list can be found here: Prior authorization | Hennepin Health