Minnesota Payment Resources



Summary of payment program


Billing

In Minnesota, victims of sexual assault who have an evidentiary exam done for the purpose of gathering evidence of sexual assault need not pay for that service. Minnesota Statute § 609.35. The county must pay regardless of whether or not their is a report to law enforcement.

Payment

In Minnesota, the State covers costs incurred for sexual assault examinations. The victim does not have to report the assault to law enforcement in order for the state to pay. The covered costs include but are not limited to the full cost of the rape kit examination, associated tests relating to the complainant’s sexually transmitted disease status, and pregnancy status. Victims can visit the hospital of their choice. They do not need to consult a hospital in the county in which the assault occurred. They do not need to be referred by the prosecutor or law enforcement officer.

Starting July 1, 2023, the state will cover costs incurred for sexual assault examinations. Minnesota’s counties were previously responsible for paying for the exams; however, the Minnesota Legislature changed the state law earlier this year. Payment processing will be the responsibility of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Justice Programs (OJP) through the newly created Minnesota Sexual Assault Examination Payment Program (MSAEPP).

Planning is underway for the development of the MSAEPP. Program development steps include hiring staff, developing an IT solution for billing management, and establishing a standardized submission, review, and payment approval process. The program is expected to take several months to be fully implemented.

In the interim, OJP will accept bills from hospitals and other medical service providers for processing and payment. As it will take some time to build capacity in this area, OJP asks providers to be patient in the processing of their bills during this period of program development.


Interim sexual assault exam payment process

Providers must complete an exam payment cover sheet, attach an itemized bill for each exam, and submit by mail, fax, or email to:

Minnesota Sexual Assault Exam Payment Program
Office of Justice Programs
Minnesota Department of Public Safety
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 2300
St. Paul, MN 55101
Fax: 651-797-1140
Email: OJP.SA.Exams.DPS@state.mn.us
Phone: 651-201-7279
Exam Payment Cover Sheet


Important: When submitting an invoice/bill to the MSAEPP:
  • The bill submitted must request payment from Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Justice Programs.
  • The bill must have the exam costs itemized.
  • All requested information on the cover sheet must be provided.
  • The bill should not include costs related to medical diagnosis and treatment.
  • Include the full amount and any adjustment applied to bring the amount requested to $1400.
For more guidance, please see the Frequently Asked Questions.

Key features about the new law:
  • The exam costs to be paid include, but are not limited to, the cost of the medical forensic examination and associated tests and treatments relating to sexually transmitted infection and pregnancy status, including emergency contraception.
  • Bills can be submitted from a hospital, emergency medical facility, physician, sexual assault nurse examiner, forensic nurse or other licensed health care provider.
  • The state will pay for exams performed on or after July 1, 2023.
  • Reimbursement for an examination and any associated test and treatments is capped at $1,400, a figure that can be adjusted annually for inflation.
  • The hospital or other licensed health care provider performing the examination may seek insurance reimbursement for the exam from the victim’s insurer only if authorized by the victim. This authorization may only be sought after the examination is performed.
Link here for the Minnesota Sexual Assault Exam Payment Program-MN Office of Justice Programs website for more information on the new July 1, 2023 Law

Eligibility Requirements
  • Crime involving an injury or death (Property crimes are not covered)
    • Homicide
    • Assault
    • Child abuse
    • Sexual assault
    • Robbery
    • Kidnapping
    • Domestic abuse
    • Stalking
    • Criminal vehicular operation and drunk driving
  • Crime must have occurred in Minnesota, or in a foreign country without a compensation program
  • Crime must be reported to police within 30 days
  • Claim must be filed within 3 years
  • Victim must cooperate fully with police and prosecutor
  • Victim must not have committed a crime or contributed through misconduct


Minnesota Crime Victims Reparations Board Application | Spanish

Minnesota Crime Victims Reparations Board Brochure | Other Languages

Minnesota Crime Victims Reparations – Healthcare Providers Guide
  • Providers will receive a Medical Reimbursement form and a Physicians form to complete. Both forms must be returned, along with patient health care records and appropriate HCFA 1450, 1500, UB92, or comparable billing form.


Office of Justice Programs – Crime Victims Reparations Board

Coordination with Healthcare Rape crisis centers are available 24 hours a day. Advocacy programs are committed to providing access to services for survivors with limited English skills at no cost to the survivor. This may happen through a language line or interpreter. For assistance and accessing programs in Minnesota – rapehelpmn.org.