Connecticut Senate Bill SB00200

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/21
• Refer: 1/22/21

Caption

An Act Limiting Changes To Prescription Drug Formularies And Lists Of Covered Drugs.

Impact

If enacted, SB00200 would amend current statutes pertaining to health insurance companies and their management of prescription drug coverage. By establishing strict guidelines for formulary changes, the bill aims to protect consumers from abrupt alterations that could lead to increased out-of-pocket costs or the loss of access to critical medications. This legislative measure acknowledges the challenges faced by consumers in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape, where insurance policies can frequently change without notice.

Summary

SB00200 is a legislative proposal aimed at limiting the conditions under which health carriers can modify their drug formularies. Specifically, the bill seeks to restrict the ability of health insurance plans to remove medications from their lists of covered drugs or to reclassify them into higher cost-sharing tiers during a single plan year. This legislation is designed to provide greater stability and predictability for patients in need of prescription medications, thereby enhancing their access to necessary treatments.

Contention

While the bill is generally seen as beneficial for consumers, it may face opposition from certain health insurance companies who argue that their ability to manage formularies is essential for controlling costs and maintaining the affordability of health plans. Critics may contend that limiting changes to drug lists could restrict their ability to negotiate prices with pharmaceutical companies, potentially leading to overall higher healthcare costs. The debate surrounding this bill may highlight the ongoing struggle between patient needs and the financial considerations of health insurers.