# Iowa Code § 510B.6: Substitute prescription drugs

> Iowa · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXIII_C510B_S510B.6

## Section

- **Citation:** Iowa Code § 510B.6
- **Heading:** Substitute prescription drugs
- **Jurisdiction:** Iowa
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** IA Code / Title XIII / Chapter 510B / Section 510B.6

## Text

(1) The following provisions shall apply if a pharmacy benefits manager requests the dispensing of a substitute prescription drug for a drug prescribed for a covered person:

(1) (a) The pharmacy benefits manager may request the substitution of a lower priced generic and therapeutically equivalent prescription drug for a higher priced prescription drug.

(1) (b) If the substitute prescription drug’s net cost to the covered person or to the health carrier exceeds the cost of the prescription drug originally prescribed for the covered person, the substitution shall be made only for medical reasons that benefit the covered person.

(2) A pharmacy benefits manager shall obtain the approval of the prescribing health care professional prior to requesting any substitution under this section.

(3) A pharmacy benefits manager shall not substitute an equivalent prescription drug contrary to a prescription drug order that prohibits a substitution.

2007 Acts, ch 193, §6, 9; 2022 Acts, ch 1113, §5, 16, 23

## Nearby sections

- [Iowa Code § 510B.1 Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXIII_C510B_S510B.1.md)
- [Iowa Code § 510B.2 Certification as a third-party administrator required.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXIII_C510B_S510B.2.md)
- [Iowa Code § 510B.3 Enforcement — rules.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXIII_C510B_S510B.3.md)
- [Iowa Code § 510B.4 Standards of conduct good faith conflict of interest.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXIII_C510B_S510B.4.md)
- [Iowa Code § 510B.4A Retaliation prohibited.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXIII_C510B_S510B.4A.md)
- [Iowa Code § 510B.4B Prohibited conduct pharmacy rights.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXIII_C510B_S510B.4B.md)
- [Iowa Code § 510B.5 Contacting covered persons requirements.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXIII_C510B_S510B.5.md)
- [Iowa Code § 510B.6 Substitute prescription drugs.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXIII_C510B_S510B.6.md)
- [Iowa Code § 510B.7 Pharmacy fees.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXIII_C510B_S510B.7.md)
- [Iowa Code § 510B.8 Prescription drugs point of sale.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXIII_C510B_S510B.8.md)
- [Iowa Code § 510B.8A Maximum allowable cost lists.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXIII_C510B_S510B.8A.md)
- [Iowa Code § 510B.8B Pharmacy benefits managers reimbursements.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXIII_C510B_S510B.8B.md)
- [Iowa Code § 510B.8C Clean claims.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXIII_C510B_S510B.8C.md)
- [Iowa Code § 510B.8D Pharmacy benefits manager contracts.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXIII_C510B_S510B.8D.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IA_TXIII_C510B_S510B.6. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.