DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 370 Original 2019 Regular Session Stokes
Abstract: Prohibits a health insurer from using step therapy or fail first protocols as the basis to
restrict any prescription benefit for the treatment of a person with stage-four advanced,
metastatic cancer.
Present law requires any health coverage plan which includes prescription benefits as part of its
policy or contract, which utilizes step therapy or fail first protocols, and which is issued for delivery,
delivered, renewed, or otherwise contracted for in this state on or after Jan. 1, 2011, to comply with
the provisions of present law.
Proposed law retains present law but makes technical changes including the removal of a reference
to a repealed statute.
Proposed law prohibits a health coverage plan from using step therapy or fail first protocols as the
basis to restrict any prescription benefit for the treatment of stage-four advanced, metastatic cancer
or associated conditions if the prescribed drug is consistent with best practices for the treatment of
stage-four advanced, metastatic cancer or associated conditions and supported by peer-reviewed,
evidenced-based medical literature.
Proposed law defines "stage-four advanced, metastatic cancer" as cancer that has spread from the
lymph nodes or other areas or parts of the body.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 22:1053(A) and (D); Adds R.S. 22:1053(E))