Connecticut House Bill HB06113

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/18/23

Caption

An Act Prohibiting Certain Health Carriers From Requiring Step Therapy For Prescription Drugs Prescribed To Treat Mental Or Behavioral Health Conditions.

Impact

If enacted, HB 06113 would amend existing statutes (specifically sections 38a-510 and 38a-544) related to health insurance policies in the state. It aims to foster a more supportive environment for individuals requiring psychiatric medications, thereby potentially paving the way for improved health outcomes. This bill may influence both insurance policy practices and the broader legislative framework governing health care in the state, particularly regarding mental health provision.

Summary

House Bill 06113 is aimed at prohibiting health carriers from imposing step therapy protocols for prescription drugs prescribed to treat mental and behavioral health conditions. Step therapy is a cost-control mechanism that requires patients to try less expensive medications before progressing to more expensive ones. By prohibiting this practice specifically for behavioral health conditions, the bill seeks to ensure timely access to necessary medications for individuals facing mental health challenges. This actionable measure arises from awareness of the unique barriers that patients dealing with mental or behavioral health issues often encounter in their treatment pathways.

Contention

During the discussions surrounding this bill, notable points of contention emerged regarding the balance between cost control and access to care. Proponents of HB 06113 argue that step therapy can lead to delays in effective treatment for individuals suffering from mental health issues, which could exacerbate their conditions. Conversely, some opponents might raise concerns about the long-term financial impact of reducing the ability to manage drug costs through step therapy mechanisms. Hence, the bill's passage could provoke further debates about insurance practices and mental health policies within the state's legislative discussions.