Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF1738

Introduced
2/20/25  

Caption

Prescription drug purchasing program establishment

Impact

The implementation of this bill is expected to significantly impact state laws concerning healthcare pricing and accessibility. By enabling state authorities to negotiate better pricing for prescription drugs, the law seeks to alleviate the financial burden on vulnerable populations who rely on state-funded healthcare programs. Additionally, it aims to align various healthcare services in a way that promotes comprehensive care while possibly reducing costs associated with drug reimbursement.

Summary

SF1738 introduces a Prescription Drug Purchasing Program in Minnesota aimed at enhancing access to affordable prescription medications for individuals enrolled in medical assistance and MinnesotaCare. The bill mandates the Commissioner of Human Services to oversee the program, which intends to negotiate prices with pharmaceutical manufacturers and wholesalers to ensure that program participants receive the lowest possible costs for prescription drugs. The bill outlines the establishment of a preferred drug list and emphasizes the coordination of comprehensive prescription benefit services.

Contention

While the bill is positioned as a measure to improve public health and reduce healthcare costs, it may encounter contention among various stakeholders, particularly from the pharmaceutical industry concerned about the implications of state negotiation of drug prices. Critics might argue that such negotiations could disrupt market dynamics and stifle innovation. Furthermore, successful implementation of the program will hinge on obtaining necessary federal approvals, which poses its own timeline and approval challenges, potentially delaying the program's launch.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MN SF2067

Commissioner of human services direction to establish a prescription drug purchasing program

MN HF1752

Commissioner of human services directed to establish a prescription drug purchasing program, program authority and eligibility requirements specified, and report required.

MN SF4843

Health plan companies and county-based purchasing plans providing prescription drug coverage in the medical assistance program dispensing fee requirements establishment

MN SF3333

Medical assistance prescription drug reimbursement definition of usual and customary price modification

MN HF4305

Definition of usual and customary price modified for purposes of medical assistance prescription drug reimbursement.

MN SF4330

Definition modification of usual and customary price for the purposes of medical assistance prescription drug reimbursement

MN SF328

Manufacturers requirement to report and maintain prescription drug prices

MN HF294

Manufacturers required to report and maintain prescription drug prices, filing of health plan prescription drug formularies required, health care coverage provisions modified, prescription benefit tool requirements established, and prescription drug benefit transparency and disclosure required.

MN HF5028

Dispensing fee requirements imposed on health plan companies and county-based purchasing plans providing prescription drug coverage in the medical assistance program.

MN SF2287

Family medical account program establishment

Similar Bills

MN SF5329

Prescription drugs price increases and reporting requirements provisions

NJ A2809

Permits import of Canadian prescription drugs.

MS SB2012

Mississippi Health Care Cost Transparency Act; enact.

MN SF3294

Prescription drug transparency provisions modifications

MN HF3054

Prescription drug transparency provisions modified.

HI HB18

Related To Prescription Drug Costs.

HI SB604

Related To Prescription Drug Costs.

MN SF2108

Provisions modification for federal compliance for over-the-counter hearing aids