West Virginia 2022 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HB4263

Introduced
1/19/22  
Refer
1/19/22  
Engrossed
1/31/22  
Refer
2/1/22  

Caption

Prohibit the practice of white bagging

Impact

If enacted, HB 4263 will amend the West Virginia Code to include new regulations surrounding the authorization and payment of physician-administered drugs. The law will prevent health insurers from denying coverage based solely on the source of the medication, provided that medical necessity criteria are met. It will also ensure that patients do not face additional fees when receiving care from participating providers, thereby improving access to essential treatments.

Summary

House Bill 4263 aims to protect patient access to physician-administered medications by prohibiting certain actions by health insurance issuers and pharmacy benefit managers. The bill addresses the specific practice of 'white bagging,' where insurers can require patients to obtain medications from pharmacies that are not participating providers within their network, which often leads to delays in treatment and increased costs for patients. By ensuring that participating providers are reimbursed properly for providing these medications, the bill supports timely patient care.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 4263 has been broadly supportive among healthcare providers who advocate for patient access to necessary medications without undue delays or financial burdens. Stakeholders express concern about the implications of white bagging practices on patient health outcomes and the continuity of care. The bill's adoption is seen as a critical step in enhancing patient rights and ensuring equitable treatment under health insurance policies.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include the balance of regulating insurers while ensuring that costs do not spiral out of control, leading to higher premiums for consumers. Detractors may argue that the bill could limit insurers' flexibility in managing their networks effectively. There is also ongoing discourse regarding how these changes might affect the overall structure of healthcare policies in West Virginia, especially in terms of care quality and cost management.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

LA SB191

Provides relative to coverage of certain physician-administered drugs and related services. (gov sig) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

MS SB2712

Protecting Patient Access to Physician-Administered Drugs Act; enact.

LA SB241

Provides relative to coverage of certain physician-administered drugs. (gov sig)

WV HB3087

Prohibit the practice of white bagging

WV HB4174

Prohibit the practice of white bagging

WV HB2429

Prohibit the practice of white bagging

CA AB577

Health care coverage: antisteering.

MS HB17

Protecting Patient Access to Physician-Administered Drugs Act; create.