Bill > SF1106

This bill establishes new requirements for health insurance plans regarding pharmacy dispensing fees in Minnesota. Specifically, the bill mandates that any health plan providing prescription drug coverage must pay a dispensing fee to pharmacies that is at least equal to the dispensing fee currently established for medical assistance programs (under Minnesota Statutes section 256B.0625, subdivision 13e, paragraph (a)). The bill explicitly excludes managed care plans and county-based purchasing plans that provide coverage for public health care program enrollees under chapters 256B and 256L from these new requirements. A dispensing fee is the amount paid to a pharmacy for the professional services involved in preparing and distributing a prescription medication, which covers costs like staff time, equipment, and overhead associated with dispensing drugs. By setting a minimum dispensing fee, the bill aims to ensure pharmacies are adequately compensated for their services across different health insurance plans.