An Act Concerning The Application Of Cost-sharing Assistance Payments For Covered Prescription Drugs.
Impact
If the bill passes, it will significantly impact the financial dynamics of health insurance coverage in the state. Patients who currently struggle with out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs could benefit from reduced cost-sharing obligations, as their cost-sharing assistance payments would be deducted from their overall financial responsibilities. This bill seeks to improve access to necessary medications by making them more affordable for insured individuals, potentially enhancing health outcomes over time.
Summary
House Bill 05851 is designed to amend Title 38a of the general statutes concerning health insurance policies and their application of cost-sharing assistance payments for prescription drugs. Specifically, the bill mandates that all insurers and health service entities operating in the state apply any cost-sharing assistance payments received by insured individuals from pharmaceutical manufacturers directly to the insured's cost-sharing obligations when it comes to covered prescription drugs. The intention behind this legislation is to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by patients requiring medication.
Contention
The conversations surrounding HB 05851 may include points of contention regarding the financial implications for both insurance providers and pharmaceutical companies. While proponents argue that it enhances patient support and affordability, opponents may raise concerns about the potential increase in costs for health care providers, as they may have to adjust their pricing models to accommodate the requirement of applying assistance payments. Furthermore, there may be debates about the overall effectiveness of cost-sharing assistance programs in truly making medications accessible and whether this bill adequately addresses the root issues of high prescription drug costs.
An Act Prohibiting Certain Health Carriers From Requiring Step Therapy For Prescription Drugs Used To Treat A Mental Or Behavioral Health Condition Or A Chronic, Disabling Or Life-threatening Condition.
An Act Concerning Insurance Market Conduct And Insurance Licensing, The Insurance Department's Technical Corrections And Other Revisions To The Insurance Statutes And Captive Insurance.