The bill amends the Social Welfare Act of 1939 by adding a new section, 109z, which establishes guidelines for the coverage of drugs under the medical assistance program. According to the new provisions, the department will not provide coverage for brand name drugs or biological drug products if a lower-cost generically equivalent drug or interchangeable biological drug product is available. However, there are exceptions outlined in subsection (2) where coverage for brand name or biological products will be provided if specific circumstances from the public health code apply.

Additionally, the bill defines key terms related to the new section, including "biological drug product," "brand name," "drug," and "interchangeable biological drug product," all referencing definitions from the public health code. This legislative change aims to promote cost-effective drug use within the medical assistance program while ensuring that exceptions are in place for necessary brand name medications under certain conditions.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-1): 400.1, 400.119
House Introduced Bill: 400.1, 400.119
As Passed by the House: 400.1, 400.119