SF52

Senate File No. 52 is a legislative bill in Minnesota that focuses on prescription drug coverage in the medical assistance program. It proposes changes to how health plan companies and county-based purchasing plans, which provide this coverage, handle their dispensing fees. Specifically, the bill requires these entities to pay pharmacies a dispensing fee at least equal to the minimum amount specified in another part of Minnesota law when they dispense prescribed drugs to eligible individuals.

Additionally, the bill allows the commissioner to alter prescription drug coverage in managed care contracts to save more money for the state by increasing the collection of prescription drug rebates. This involves potentially using strategies like preferred drug lists and prior authorization to manage costs and drug use. Any changes to managed care contracts would need federal approval and would be aimed at enhancing drug cost management while maintaining incentives for managed care plans to effectively manage these costs.