AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to prescription drugs.
Impact
If passed, this legislation would significantly impact the way health insurance plans in Tennessee handle claims for cancer treatment drugs, thereby increasing patient access to essential medications. The bill's amendments to the Tennessee Code would require health carriers to adhere to stricter guidelines before making decisions on coverage, ensuring that patients are not required to try less effective treatments before receiving their prescribed medications. This change aims to align healthcare practices with patient needs and medical standards.
Summary
Senate Bill 2361 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically concerning healthcare and insurance regulations related to prescription drugs for cancer treatment. The bill addresses restrictions imposed by health carriers and benefit plans regarding the use of step therapy protocols. Essentially, it prevents these entities from denying or delaying coverage for prescribed drugs that have been deemed necessary by healthcare practitioners based on best practices, peer-reviewed evidence, and FDA approval.
Contention
The bill has not been without contention, as there are concerns regarding its potential financial implications for insurance providers. Critics raise issues about potential increases in overall healthcare costs due to the inability to implement step therapy as a cost-control measure. Supporters, however, argue that access to timely and appropriate cancer treatment should take precedence over cost considerations, emphasizing that the health of patients is paramount and that barriers to effective treatment could result in more severe health outcomes down the line.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 33; Title 49; Title 53; Title 55; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to healthcare professions.