Commissioner of Human Services establishment of a directed pharmacy dispensing payment to improve and maintain access to pharmaceutical services; appropriating money

SF 2152 requires Minnesota's human services commissioner to establish a $4.50 per prescription payment for eligible pharmacies in rural or underserved areas to improve access to pharmaceutical services. Managed care plans and pharmacy benefit managers must pay this amount to participating pharmacies without reducing existing payments for prescriptions dispensed to medical assistance enrollees. Eligible pharmacies must be independently owned (not affiliated with pharmacy benefit managers or health insurers), located in medically underserved areas, or part of a chain with 12 or fewer Minnesota pharmacies. The bill appropriates funds from the general fund for this program in fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with implementation dependent on federal approval.