Maddy summarySF 3055 modifies how Minnesota state agencies contract with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and technology vendors. It requires the commissioner of management and budget to use a reverse auction process to select PBMs, mandating that all bidders provide full access to pharmacy claims data and accept standardized contract terms for pricing and definitions. The bill also sets strict security requirements for the technology platform used to manage these contracts, including SOC 2 and NIST certifications, and requires the platform to automatically evaluate bids based on cost metrics like NADAC and average wholesale price. This directly affects the state government, PBMs, and technology vendors managing prescription drug benefit programs for state employees and programs like Medicaid.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySF 1876 requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and health insurance carriers to include lower-cost versions of drugs in their formularies. Specifically, if a plan covers a brand-name drug, it must also cover the equivalent generic drug with the lowest wholesale acquisition cost, and vice versa for generics. The bill mandates that formularies must structure tiers to prioritize the drug with the lowest out-of-pocket cost for patients, without imposing prior authorization or access barriers on that option. This directly affects PBMs, health plans, and patients seeking prescription drugs covered under Minnesota health plans.
Maddy summarySF 1354 establishes a School Health Advisory Committee in Minnesota to advise state leaders on school health policies. The committee, composed of 16 members including nurses, doctors, school staff, parents of children with health needs, and legislators, reviews school health practices and recommends evidence-based approaches to address health barriers to learning. It must identify essential student health data, develop coordinated care models for chronic conditions (like asthma or diabetes), and suggest funding strategies for school health services. The committee will report annually to the governor and relevant legislative committees by January 15 each year, focusing on improving health outcomes for all students, particularly those with special health needs.
Maddy summarySF 2235 requires Minnesota employers to disclose in all job postings whether offered health plan options comply with state cost-sharing limits (defined under section 62Q.481, subdivision 1). This applies to every job opening and directly affects employers posting positions in Minnesota. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 181.173, subdivision 2, adding this health plan disclosure requirement to existing rules about posting salary ranges and benefits descriptions. It does not change health plan benefits but mandates transparency about cost-sharing compliance at the hiring stage. The law aims to help job seekers understand health plan affordability before applying.
Maddy summarySF 971 would grant licensed healthcare providers in Minnesota immunity from criminal liability when providing treatment within their scope of practice, directly affecting doctors, nurses, and other licensed professionals. The bill states providers cannot be held criminally liable for harm arising from their treatment, except in cases of gross negligence, willful misconduct, or intentional harm. It clarifies this immunity does not override existing legal protections or liabilities under other laws. The legislation aims to shield providers from criminal prosecution for standard care, while maintaining accountability for serious misconduct.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 2390) requires people requesting school district data to identify themselves and provide verification, banning anonymous requests. It also allows school districts to charge for employee time spent preparing data if a requester fails to appear to inspect it. The law applies to public data requests under Minnesota Statutes 13.03 and adds these requirements to existing rules. It directly affects anyone seeking school district records, including parents, journalists, or community members. The bill takes effect 24 hours after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's nursing facility reimbursement system to align with upcoming federal changes. It requires Minnesota nursing facilities to transition from the current "Resource Utilization Groups" (RUG) system to the new federal "Patient Driven Payment Model" (PDPM) starting October 1, 2025. Facilities must use the updated federal assessment standards (MDS 3.0) for billing instead of the previous state-specific method, with the deadline for the old system set at September 30, 2025. This directly affects all nursing facilities receiving state Medicaid reimbursement, as their payment rates will now be calculated using the federal PDPM framework.
Maddy summarySF 1572 creates a new assessment on health insurance claims to fund state programs. It targets health plan companies (including insurers and self-insured employers) by assessing a fee based on their "claims-related expenses," defined as costs like utilization review, case management, and administrative fees. The bill establishes specific definitions for terms like "paid claims" and "claims-related expenses" to determine the assessment amount. This policy change directly affects health insurance providers by adding a new cost tied to their administrative operations. The assessment would be implemented under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 295, as proposed in the bill.
Maddy summarySF 1030 establishes a new dementia services program within Minnesota's Department of Health. The program coordinates state-funded dementia care, connects agencies and community groups (including area agencies on aging and Tribal Nations), and integrates early detection into public health efforts. It requires the health commissioner to collect dementia impact data, update the Alzheimer's Disease State Plan, and foster public awareness. Funding is appropriated from the general fund starting in fiscal year 2026 to support these activities.
Maddy summaryThis bill transfers Minnesota's "Healthy Eating, Here at Home" program (which provides $10 vouchers for SNAP/Summer EBT users to buy fresh food at farmers' markets) from the Minnesota Humanities Center to the Department of Health. It also establishes the "Fresh Bucks" pilot program, allowing SNAP and Summer EBT participants to get a dollar-for-dollar match on fresh produce purchases (up to $20 daily/$80 monthly) at participating retailers like grocery stores. Both programs target low-income households using federal nutrition benefits, with the Fresh Bucks program specifically requiring produce to be fresh fruits/vegetables without added sugars or fats. The bill appropriates funds for implementation and requires annual reporting on program usage and effectiveness.