S.F. No. 2816 Summary

• Establishes new law in Minnesota Statutes chapter 62Q limiting enrollee cost-sharing for FDA-approved biologic prescription drugs.

• Prohibits health plans from charging enrollees co-payments, coinsurance, deductibles, or other special payment requirements for biologic products that exceed the cost-sharing assessed for the lowest-cost nonpreferred brand-name medication on the plan's formulary.

• Defines "biologic product" to include viruses, vaccines, blood products, protein-based and peptide-based products, and other compounds applicable to disease prevention, treatment, or cure in humans.

• Applies to health plans, including coverage described in sections 62A.011, subdivisions 3, clauses (7) and (10).

• Effective August 1, 2010, and applies to coverage issued or renewed before, on, or after that date.