Michigan Senate Bill SB0738

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/24
• Refer: 3/5/24
• Report Pass: 12/12/24
• Refer: 12/12/24

Caption

Insurance: health insurers; coverage for antineoplastic drugs; expand. Amends sec. 3406e of 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.3406e).

Impact

If enacted, SB0738 will significantly impact state insurance regulations by ensuring that patients have access to a broader range of cancer treatment options. This would involve insurers covering therapies that are currently in use but may not yet be included under existing coverage stipulations. The bill aims to facilitate improved patient outcomes by allowing for medically necessary treatments, thus aligning state insurance practices with advancements in medical treatments for cancer.

Summary

Senate Bill 738 (SB0738) aims to amend the Michigan Insurance Code of 1956 to expand coverage for health insurance policies concerning antineoplastic drugs, which are used in cancer treatment. The bill mandates that insurers provide coverage for any FDA-approved drug, including genetic and immunotherapy used in antineoplastic therapy, regardless of whether the drug is approved for the specific neoplasm being treated. The legislation emphasizes the importance of informed consent and current medical literature corroborating the efficacy of the treatment, which should be accepted by recognized oncology organizations.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB0738 include concerns from insurance companies regarding the potential increase in costs associated with covering a wider array of therapies. Critics may argue that the bill could lead to higher premiums as insurers adjust to cover more complex treatments. Supporters, on the other hand, advocate for the necessity of these treatments for patients battling cancer, emphasizing that equitable access to healthcare should take precedence over potential increases in insurance costs.