An Act Prohibiting Certain Health Carriers And Pharmacy Benefits Managers From Employing Copay Accumulator Programs.
Impact
The enactment of SB00336 is expected to have significant implications for the health insurance landscape in Connecticut. By ending copay accumulator programs, the bill aims to protect consumers from unexpected out-of-pocket costs, particularly for expensive medications. This change is anticipated to increase the efficacy of insurance coverage for individuals, allowing more accurate assessments of their financial responsibilities when accessing healthcare services, thus encouraging greater utilization of essential treatments and prescriptions.
Summary
SB00336 is a legislative proposal that aims to prohibit certain health carriers and pharmacy benefits managers from employing copay accumulator programs in Connecticut. The bill is designed to enhance transparency and accountability in the health insurance and pharmacy benefits industries by ensuring that third-party payments are considered in the cost-sharing calculations for insured individuals. Effective from January 1, 2021, the bill mandates that all health insurance policies must credit any payment made by third parties towards an individual's coinsurance, copayment, deductible, or other out-of-pocket expenses, thus benefiting insured individuals during their claims.
Contention
While the bill garners support from consumer advocacy groups that emphasize the need for fair practices in health insurance, it may face opposition from insurers and pharmacy benefit managers who argue that such regulations could interfere with their cost management strategies. The contention centers primarily on the balance between ensuring consumer protections and maintaining the operational autonomy of health carriers and pharmacy benefits managers, making this bill a focal point of ongoing discussions surrounding health policy reforms in the state.
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.