This bill mandates that insurance policies and medical assistance programs in Minnesota provide equal coverage for services rendered by licensed pharmacists, aligning them with the coverage for services provided by licensed physicians. Specifically, it amends several sections of the Minnesota Statutes, including 62A.15, 256B.0625, and 256L.03, to ensure that benefits for medical treatment include pharmacist services within their scope of practice. The bill also stipulates that health maintenance organizations cannot deny payment for services performed by licensed pharmacists and establishes reimbursement standards for these services, ensuring they are compensated at rates comparable to those for physicians.

The effective date for these provisions is set for January 1, 2025, or upon federal approval, whichever is later. Additionally, the bill requires the Commissioner of Commerce to collaborate with health plan companies, pharmacies, and pharmacy benefit managers to create guidance for implementing these coverage requirements. This legislative change aims to enhance access to pharmacy services and ensure that pharmacists are recognized as integral providers of healthcare services in Minnesota.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 62A.15, 256B.0625, 256L.03