Utilization review for prescription drug coverage modification

This bill modifies Minnesota's rules for insurance plan coverage of prescription drugs. It requires health insurance plans to maintain prior authorization for prescription drugs throughout a patient's contract term if ongoing treatment is needed, unless the drug is deemed unsafe by the FDA or new evidence-based guidelines recommend changes. Insurance plans must provide 60 days' notice to prescribers and patients before removing a brand-name drug from coverage, and must add a lower-cost FDA-approved generic or interchangeable alternative. These rules apply to plans offered, sold, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, with specific exceptions for safety-related changes. The bill directly affects patients requiring ongoing medication, prescribers, pharmacists, and health insurance plans.