This 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. The aim is 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, must pay this directed payment in addition to any other dispensing fees. To qualify as an eligible pharmacy, the establishment must meet certain criteria, including being located in a medically underserved area or sharing ownership with a limited number of 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 includes a clause that the directed payment will expire if federal approval is not obtained. The bill appropriates funds from the general fund for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support these payments, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025, or upon federal approval, whichever comes later.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.69