Health care coverage: insulin affordability.
The bill seeks to amend existing statutes under the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975 and the California Insurance Code. By removing the deductible requirement, AB 97 is poised to enhance the affordability of insulin, which is vital for individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and many with type 2 diabetes. It's estimated that a significant number of Californians depend on daily doses of insulin, and the increasing costs have led many to underuse insulin, resulting in health risks.
Assembly Bill 97, introduced by Assembly Member Nazarian, aims to improve access to insulin by prohibiting health care service plans and disability insurance policies from imposing deductibles on insulin prescriptions. This legislation addresses the significant cost burden of insulin for Californians, which has escalated in recent years. The bill specifies that any plan issued, amended, delivered, or renewed on or after January 1, 2022, must provide coverage for insulin without deductibles, thus ensuring that patients do not face additional financial barriers when accessing critical medication necessary for managing diabetes.
The overarching sentiment regarding AB 97 is positive, especially among advocacy groups focused on diabetes management and health care affordability. Supporters of the bill highlight its potential to alleviate financial strain on individuals who require insulin. However, concerns may arise regarding the fiscal implications for health care plans and whether they can sustain such mandates without increasing premiums or reducing other services.
While the bill aligns with public health interests by promoting access to insulin, there may be contention over the implications for health insurers, who must adjust their policies to comply with the new regulations. Additionally, discussions may surface around how this decision affects other aspects of health coverage in California, especially concerning the overall costs of managing diabetes-related health conditions. The prohibition of deductibles for insulin could lead to broader implications for health care plan regulations in regard to cost-sharing structures.