Virginia House Bill HB240

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/22
• Refer: 1/10/22

Caption

State health plan; insulin discount program, cost sharing for insulin.

Impact

If enacted, HB240 would significantly alter the approach to insulin accessibility in Virginia. Health plans will be required to limit cost-sharing payments for a 30-day supply of insulin. Specifically, each covered person would pay no more than $30 for prescription insulin drugs within each therapy category, which promotes affordability and could improve compliance with diabetes treatment among residents. This change aims to ease the financial burden on those who need insulin but struggle with high out-of-pocket costs.

Summary

House Bill 240 introduces a state health plan that focuses on establishing an insulin discount program to help residents of Virginia who rely on insulin for diabetes management. The bill amends existing state law to ensure that individuals not covered by any health plan can still access insulin at a discounted price. Participants in this program will receive a card or electronic document for identifying their eligibility, information about pharmacies that accept the discount, and instructions for obtaining reimbursement from their insurers.

Contention

The bill has generated notable discussion around balancing the needs of patients with the operational realities of health insurance carriers. Some stakeholders express concern that the cost-sharing limits may not encompass all types of insulin needed by patients and could impact insurers disproportionately. Critics argue that the bill's financial implications on insurance plans could lead to higher premiums or restrict coverage in other areas if costs are not contained adequately.