The bill mandates the commissioner of human services to establish a directed pharmacy dispensing payment of $4.50 per filled prescription for eligible outpatient retail pharmacies in Minnesota. This initiative aims to enhance access to pharmaceutical services, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The bill specifies that managed care and county-based purchasing plans, along with pharmacy benefit managers, are required to pay this directed payment in addition to any existing dispensing fees. To qualify for this payment, pharmacies must meet certain criteria, including being located in a medically underserved area or sharing ownership with a limited number of other pharmacies.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the commissioner to monitor the impact of this payment on access to pharmaceutical services and to adjust the payment amount based on available funding. It also outlines the process for pharmacies to attest their eligibility and establishes that the directed payment will expire if federal approval is not obtained. An appropriation from the general fund for fiscal year 2025 is included to support these payments, with the effective date set for July 1, 2024, or upon federal approval, whichever comes later.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.69