Health; formulary changes prohibited during the plan year.

HF 1652 prohibits health plans in Minnesota from removing a drug from their formulary (list of covered drugs) or increasing a patient's cost for a previously prescribed drug during the same plan year. This directly affects patients enrolled in health plans who rely on specific medications, preventing unexpected disruptions to their treatment. Exceptions include removing drugs deemed unsafe by the FDA, withdrawn by the FDA or manufacturer, or when switching to a lower-cost FDA-approved generic or biosimilar drug with at least 60 days' notice to patients and providers. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, for health plans offered or renewed on or after that date.