The Department of Health (MDH) recently released the Minnesota Prescription Drug Transparency: 2024 Report to the Minnesota Legislature (PDF). The report presents analysis of information reported to MDH through June 2023, provides a summary and timeline for the implementation of new work and assesses the Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act’s (the Act) progress toward statutory goals. ​Key findings from this report include:

• There is notable interest in public data on drug prices, including from health care payers in Minnesota. In 2023, MDH saw more than 6,500 visits to its web pages dedicated to prescription drug price transparency.
• Price increases of reportable drugs affect many Minnesotans. More than 75,000 people living in the state used these drugs in 2022. Collectively, the increases contributed to additional health care spending of more than $53.2 million in 2022.
• Overall, many pricing trends are in line with previous reports. However, one notable departure is that data show prices for new drug introductions increased significantly with many new drug products priced over $3 million.
• Among the most expensive drugs reported, the prices for these drugs in Minnesota were higher than prices for the same drugs internationally.
• Many drug manufacturers continue to be out of compliance with the full requirements of the Act. Approximately 33% of reports have not been submitted (99 distinct manufacturers are delinquent for 775 total reports), and all reports have data quality issues upon initial submission.

MDH will continue to release updates on implementation on the MDH Rx Price Transparency website. For questions, please email health.rx@state.mn.us.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

On April 12, the House Health and Finance Policy Committee will hear HF 3902, legislation that would increase the Medicaid Fee-for-Service Professional Dispensing Fee from $10.77 to $11.55 to match the most recent state cost of dispensing survey. Companion legislation in the Senate has already been heard and laid over for possible inclusion in the House Health Omnibus bill.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.

The Senate Health Committee held a hearing on SF 1176 this week. The bill would update the state’s Pharmacy Practice Act to match the PREP Act’s immunization authority for pharmacists and technicians and clarify pharmacists’ ability to order CLIA-waived tests. Although the medical community testified in opposition, the committee appeared supportive of the bill and held it over for potential inclusion in the health omnibus bill package. A recording of the hearing is available online.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The Secretary of State announced open positions on the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) and the PDAB Advisory Council. Applications may be submitted on the Open Positions page. If you are interested in applying, please contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack to coordinate.

Also in Minnesota, the Department of Health (MDH) has opened registration to all manufacturers, wholesalers, pharmacies, and pharmacy benefit managers required to submit prescription drug price transparency reports. Beginning in 2024, prescription drug manufacturers, pharmacies, wholesalers, and pharmacy benefit managers will be required to report quarterly on drugs of substantial public interest identified by MDH. All reporting entities are required to register with MDH’s online reporting system beginning January 1, 2024. MDH’s guide to registering provides more detail on the process.

Upcoming Implementation Steps:

• January 1, 2024: registration requirement goes into effect
• By January 31, 2024: MDH releases the first list of drugs of substantial public interest for reporting
• Thirty (30) or more days after the drug list is posted, MDH will notify reporting entities of their reporting obligations; reporting entities have 60 days after the notification is sent to report
• Early 2024: MDH will release finalized reporting guidance

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The Department of Health (MDH (Minnesota Department of Health)) shared the implementation timeline for expanded prescription drug price transparency reporting on drugs of significant public interest and ways to stay connected. Beginning in January 2024, pharmacies will be required to report pricing information.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The Department of Health (MDH) has posted updated information regarding the expansion of prescription drug transparency data under Chapter 70 passed in 2023. The law requires wholesalers, PBMs and pharmacies to report pricing data on drugs of significant public interest in 2024. MDH is developing an online reporting portal for the new stream. Pharmacies will be required to register. The department will release draft guidance in late 2023 for public comment, prior to finalizing the guidance in early 2024. The department is also preparing to release the first list of drugs requiring reporting by January 31, 2024. Pharmacies interested in receiving announcements on prescription drug price transparency may subscribe to Prescription Drug Price Transparency updates.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The Department of Human Services released the 2023 Cost of Dispensing Survey Report that recommends a $0.78 increase in the Fee-for-Service professional dispensing fee for all retail pharmacies. I understand the General Assembly will have to pass legislation to implement it. NACDS intends to work with members and in-state partners on this in the next legislative session. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The Department of Human Services released the 2023 Cost of Dispensing Survey Report that recommends an 0.78 increase in the FFS PDF for all retail pharmacies. I understand the General Assembly would have to pass legislation to implement it. NACDS intends to work with members and in-state partners on this in the next legislative session.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The Department of Health’s weekly COVID Vaccine Provider Update reminds immunizers that the COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Agreement is still in effect until the new vaccine formulations are available. 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.