The bill being discussed aims to clarify and adjust the rules around medical assistance coverage for prescription drugs in Minnesota. Here's what it entails:

1. Cost-Effective Coverage: Medical assistance will cover health care premiums and copayments if these costs are considered cost-effective by the commissioner. This includes covering expenses that aren't supported by federal funding, specifically premiums and copayments for Medicare Part A and Part B.

2. Prescription Drug Coverage: If a person is covered by a commercial insurance plan that includes prescription drugs, the bill specifies that:

   • Medical assistance must cover any cost-sharing for prescription drugs approved by the commercial insurer, even if the quantity exceeds a 34-day supply. This can be done without extra approvals from the commissioner.
   • Cost-sharing must also be covered for any prescription drugs approved by the commercial insurer regardless of whether those drugs are on a preferred drug list, avoiding the need for prior approval if the enrollee is still within a deductible period.

3. Existing Coverage: Concerning premiums from the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association, medical assistance will not cover any new premiums due after June 30, 1997. However, for recipients already covered under such plans on that date, coverage will continue for six months after they receive a notice of termination or until December 31, 1997, whichever comes later.

This bill essentially makes it easier for those with commercial insurance to use medical assistance for their prescription drugs, reducing the bureaucratic hurdles for approval and cost coverage.