MN
Minnesota House Bill HF743

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF743

Introduced
2/13/25  

Caption

Use of step therapy protocol prohibited for insulin drugs.

Impact

The bill's passage could have significant implications on state laws regulating health insurance plans. In particular, it amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 256B.0625, which addresses prior authorization processes within health insurance. The change is expected to enhance patient autonomy in treatment decisions and reduce barriers to accessing essential diabetes medications. By eliminating the step therapy requirement for insulin drugs, HF743 seeks to decrease the burden on patients needing prompt access to their prescribed therapies.

Summary

House File 743 (HF743) proposes to prohibit the use of step therapy protocols specifically for prescription insulin drugs. Step therapy, a cost-containment policy used by health plans, often requires patients to try one or more alternative treatments before coverage for the prescribed therapy is granted. By disallowing this practice for insulin medications, HF743 aims to improve access to necessary diabetes treatment for patients who rely on insulin to manage their condition. This prohibition is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, applicable to health plans offered, issued, or renewed from this date onward.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HF743 could emerge from the perspectives of health insurers and policymakers involved in coverage determinations. Proponents of the bill argue that the strict enforcement of step therapy protocols can delay essential treatment for patients, potentially leading to adverse health outcomes. Critics, however, may contend that health plans use step therapy as a necessary strategy to manage costs and ensure the appropriate utilization of medications. The debate may focus on the balance between patient access and cost management within healthcare systems.

Effectiveness

The implementation of HF743 is pending federal approval and may require additional provisions to fully align with federal regulations on health plans. Once enacted, it is expected to set a precedent for how similar medications and therapies might be treated in terms of health insurance coverage, as well as influence future legislation concerning drug coverage and diabetes management.

Companion Bills

MN SF2071

Similar To Step therapy use protocol for insulin drugs prohibition

Previously Filed As

MN HF2466

Pharmacists authorized to prescribe, dispense, and administer drugs to prevent acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus; pharmacists authorized to order, conduct, and interpret laboratory tests necessary for therapy that uses drugs to prevent acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus.

MN SF4368

Prior authorization mental health carve out expansion

MN HF4402

Prior authorization mental health carve out expanded.

MN SF1129

Membership modification of the Formulary Committee

MN SF2320

Pharmacists authorization to prescribe, dispense and administer drugs to prevent the acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus

MN HF4313

Coverage of over-the-counter contraceptive drugs, devices, and products by insurers and medical assistance required.

MN SF4232

Coverage of over-the-counter contraceptive drugs, devices and products by insurers and medical assistance

MN HF1432

Supply requirements for prescription contraceptives established; health plans required to cover contraceptive methods, sterilization, and related medical services, patient education, and counseling; and accommodations for eligible organizations established.

MN SF287

Prescription contraceptives supply requirements establishment; health plan coverage of contraceptive methods, sterilization, related medical services, patient education and counseling requirement; accommodations for eligible organizations establishment

MN SF831

Prescription contraceptives supply requirements establishment; contraceptives, services, sterilization, education, and counseling health plan coverage requirement; eligible organization accommodations establishment

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MN HF2505

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MN SF2645

Formulary Committee members with a potential conflict of interest participation in committee communications and discussions authorization provision, public comment process for recommendations to the Formulary Committee development by the commissioner of human services requirement provision, and Minnesota Rare Disease Advisory Council expertise sought by the Formulary Committee requirement provision

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