Require coverage of epinephrine and glucagon for minors
Impact
If enacted, HB 597 will directly influence Ohio's healthcare law by amending sections related to Medicaid and health insurance provisions. The bill seeks to ensure a more equitable access to life-saving medications, particularly for younger patients, by enshrining their coverage in law. This change aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for families and improve health outcomes for children who are at risk of anaphylactic reactions or need glucagon for diabetes management. Overall, this is a significant step toward improving healthcare affordability for young individuals with specific medical needs.
Summary
House Bill 597 aims to enhance healthcare coverage for minors by necessitating that health benefit plans and the Medicaid Program provide coverage for epinephrine and glucagon. These medications are crucial for individuals under eighteen years of age who may experience severe allergic reactions or hypoglycemia. The bill stipulates that cost-sharing for these medications must not exceed sixty dollars per packaging of two autoinjectors, regardless of the patient's individual health plan or any additional cost-sharing requirements typically enforced by the issuer. This legislative action intends to ease the financial burden on families seeking essential medications for their children.
Contention
Despite its benevolent aims, there are areas of contention surrounding HB 597, notably regarding the financial implications for health plan issuers and the Medicaid Program. Critics may argue that imposing such cost-sharing limits could lead to higher premiums or reduce the overall coverage available for other services. There is also concern about how this bill may affect the operational aspects of health insurance companies and whether additional requirements may be placed on them to comply with these coverage mandates. Discussions around balancing access to necessary medications while maintaining sustainable healthcare funding are therefore central to the debate on HB 597.
Requires health insurance carriers to provide coverage for epinephrine auto-injector devices and asthma inhalers; limits cost sharing for health insurance coverage of insulin.
Requires health insurance carriers to provide coverage for epinephrine auto-injector devices and asthma inhalers; limits cost sharing for health insurance coverage of insulin.