Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3922

Caption

Relating to information provided by health care providers and hospitals to certain patients regarding pharmaceutical manufacturer patient assistance programs for insulin.

Impact

The enactment of HB3922 will impact state laws by adding a requirement for healthcare providers and hospitals that receive specific governmental payments to actively inform eligible patients about pharmaceutical manufacturer assistance programs. This addition seeks to improve patient outcomes by enhancing awareness of financial aid options, which could lead to better adherence to insulin treatments and overall health management for individuals with diabetes.

Summary

House Bill 3922 focuses on enhancing access to information regarding pharmaceutical manufacturer patient assistance programs for insulin among patients with diabetes. It mandates that healthcare providers and hospitals provide detailed information about these assistance programs, which can include copay cards, to patients who require insulin. This legislation aims to alleviate the financial burden on diabetic patients by ensuring they are aware of available cost-reduction options offered by pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB3922 appears to be predominantly positive, as it addresses a critical issue faced by many diabetic patients regarding the cost of insulin. Lawmakers and healthcare advocates expressed approval for the bill, considering it a necessary step to support patients. The discussion around this bill reflects a shared commitment to improving access to healthcare resources and aid programs that can significantly lower medicine costs for vulnerable populations.

Contention

While the overall sentiment is favorable, some contention may arise regarding the burden it places on healthcare providers and hospitals to implement these informational requirements. There are concerns about the practicality of compliance, particularly for smaller practices and facilities that may have limited resources to dedicate to the initiation of these new processes. However, proponents argue that the benefits of improved patient information and access to financial assistance far outweigh the potential challenges involved in implementation.

Companion Bills

TX SB1754

Similar To Relating to information provided by health care providers and hospitals to certain patients regarding pharmaceutical manufacturer patient assistance programs for insulin.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4800

Relating to prohibited discriminatory practices by pharmaceutical drug manufacturers against patient assistance program applicants.

TX SB297

Relating to hospital patients' rights and hospital policies and procedures; providing an administrative penalty.

TX HB4835

Relating to the creation and operations of certain health care provider participation programs.

TX HB2983

Relating to a pilot project to provide medical nutrition assistance to certain Medicaid recipients in this state.

TX SB1675

Relating to a pilot project to provide medical nutrition assistance to certain Medicaid recipients in this state.

TX HB4700

Relating to the creation and operations of a health care provider participation program by the Nacogdoches County Hospital District.

TX HB3504

Relating to an application for emergency detention, procedures regarding court-ordered mental health services, and certain rights of patients admitted to private mental hospitals and certain other mental health facilities.

TX SB490

Relating to itemized billing for health care services and supplies provided by health care providers.

TX HB4960

Relating to information for the parents or guardians of pediatric cancer patients regarding risk of impaired fertility from treatment.

TX SB344

Relating to the creation of the Texas Health Insurance Exchange and premium assistance and cost-sharing reduction programs; authorizing a fee.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.