Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB755

Filed
11/17/22  
Out of House Committee
4/19/23  
Voted on by House
5/2/23  
Out of Senate Committee
5/19/23  
Voted on by Senate
5/22/23  
Governor Action
6/12/23  

Caption

Relating to prior authorization for prescription drug benefits related to the treatment of autoimmune diseases and certain blood disorders.

Impact

The passage of HB 755 is expected to significantly reshape the landscape of prescription drug accessibility for patients suffering from autoimmune diseases and blood disorders in Texas. By limiting the frequency of prior authorizations, the bill aims to reduce delays in medication access, ensuring that patients can receive their treatments on a timely basis. This change could alleviate the burdensome bureaucratic processes often faced by patients and healthcare providers, thus fostering a more user-friendly experience when obtaining necessary prescription drugs.

Summary

House Bill 755 addresses the issue of prior authorizations for prescription drug benefits specifically related to the treatment of autoimmune diseases and certain blood disorders. The bill establishes a requirement that health benefit plan issuers may not require more than one prior authorization annually for prescription drugs prescribed for these conditions. This means that individuals with chronic autoimmune diseases or blood disorders like hemophilia can potentially access their necessary medications with fewer administrative hurdles, enhancing their continuity of care.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding House Bill 755 appears overwhelmingly positive among its supporters, which include healthcare professionals and patient advocacy groups. Many proponents view the bill as a necessary reform to enhance patient care and to minimize unnecessary administrative delays. Testimonies from healthcare providers highlighted the critical need for timely access to medications, reinforcing the supportive stance toward the bill. In contrast, there have been minimal dissenting opinions, predominantly concerning concerns related to regulation efficiency and insurance company responses.

Contention

While there has been strong momentum for passage, notable points of contention may arise regarding enforcement and compliance from insurance companies, and how they implement the new requirement on prior authorizations. Concerns may also exist about the exceptions outlined in the bill, particularly regarding which drugs are exempt from the single prior authorization rule. This could lead to discussions on the appropriateness of specific drug classifications that still require multiple authorizations, thereby necessitating ongoing monitoring of the bill's effectiveness post-implementation.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Insurance Code

  • Chapter 1369. Benefits Related To Prescription Drugs And Devices And Related Services
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 1501. Health Insurance Portability And Availability Act
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 004
  • Chapter 1507. Consumer Choice Of Benefits Plans
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 1551. Texas Employees Group Benefits Act
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 1575. Texas Public School Employees Group Benefits Program
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 1579. Texas School Employees Uniform Group Health Coverage
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 1601. Uniform Insurance Benefits Act For Employees Of The University Of Texas System And The Texas A&m University System
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Education Code

  • Chapter 22. School District Employees And Volunteers
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Labor Code

  • Chapter 91. Professional Employer Organizations
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Government Code

  • Chapter 533. Medicaid Managed Care Program
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 62. Child Health Plan For Certain Low-income Children
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX SB1150

Identical Relating to prior authorization for prescription drug benefits related to the treatment of chronic and autoimmune diseases.

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