The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 256B.69, subdivision 6d, to impose new requirements on health plan companies and county-based purchasing plans that provide prescription drug coverage under the medical assistance program. It introduces a new provision that mandates these plans to pay a dispensing fee for pharmacy services that is at least equal to the fee specified in section 256B.0625, subdivision 13e, paragraph (a). This change aims to ensure that pharmacies are adequately compensated for dispensing prescribed medications.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of collecting additional prescription drug rebates to increase savings for the state. It allows managed care plans to utilize preferred drug lists and prior authorization as part of their strategies to manage drug costs and utilization effectively. The new provisions will take effect on January 1, 2026, or upon receiving federal approval, whichever occurs later, with the commissioner of human services responsible for notifying the revisor of statutes once federal approval is obtained.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.69