This bill introduces a new section to RSA 420-B that mandates health maintenance organizations (HMOs) to utilize the lowest cost method for reimbursing clinician-administered drugs. It requires HMOs to cover these drugs if they cannot be self-administered and are typically administered by a healthcare professional. Additionally, the bill prohibits HMOs from requiring pharmacies to dispense clinician-administered drugs directly to patients with the expectation that they will transport the medication to a healthcare setting for administration. This practice, known as "brown-bagging," is specifically addressed to ensure that patients receive their medications in a manner that is safe and efficient.

The new legal language inserted into the law defines "clinician-administered drug" and outlines the conditions under which HMOs must authorize and pay for these drugs when dispensed by in-network hospitals or clinics. The bill also stipulates that unless a patient or prescriber requests otherwise, HMOs and their representatives cannot require pharmacies to dispense these drugs directly to patients for transport. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and while it does not provide funding or authorize new positions, it may have an indeterminable impact on insurance premium tax revenue due to potential changes in costs for insurers.