Connecticut House Bill HB06941

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/5/23
• Engrossed: 6/5/23
• Passed: 6/6/23
• Enrolled: 6/6/23
• Passed: 6/12/23
• Chaptered: 6/27/23
• Enrolled: 6/28/23

Caption

An Act Concerning The State Budget For The Biennium Ending June 30, 2025, And Making Appropriations Therefor, And Provisions Related To Revenue And Other Items Implementing The State Budget.

Impact

The enactment of HB 6941 is deemed crucial for modifying state laws related to how health insurers manage prescriptions. It seeks to enhance patient autonomy in managing their healthcare by allowing treating healthcare providers to overrule restrictive treatment protocols if they deem them clinically ineffective. The changes introduce a new balance between controlled treatment guidelines and individual clinical judgment, which may potentially reduce delays in receiving critical medications for serious illnesses, offering more personalized healthcare solutions to patients.

Summary

House Bill 6941 pertains to health insurance regulations specifically designed to improve access to prescription drugs by patients covered under various healthcare policies. This legislation aims to prevent insurers from mandating that patients exclusively use mail-order pharmacies and limits the duration of 'step therapy,' which requires patients to try and fail on certain medications before being approved for alternatives that may be more effective. Specifically, the bill prohibits step therapy protocols lasting longer than thirty days for certain prescribed medications such as those needed for stage IV cancer and certain mental health conditions, thereby enhancing patient care options and ensuring timely access to necessary treatments.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 6941 is largely supportive among consumer advocacy groups and healthcare providers who argue that the bill empowers patients and ensures that their treatment protocols are tailored to their unique needs. Legislative support reflects an understanding of the obstacles posed by insurance regulations that may delay critical treatments. However, some concerns arise from insurance companies about the financial implications of these mandates and the potential for increased costs due to less restrictive prescribing practices.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns from insurance providers regarding their ability to effectively manage costs while adhering to the new regulations imposed by HB 6941. Insurance companies worry that eliminating or limiting step therapy could lead to increased prescriptions of more expensive medications without adequate oversight. Additionally, the ongoing balance of patient health management versus cost efficiency remains a contentious topic in legislative discussions surrounding the bill.