Your health plan could not raise your costs or drop a medicine you are already taking when it renews
What it does
HB 1023 would protect the prescription drugs you are already on. When a health plan renews, the insurer could not change your coverage level for a drug that was approved or covered in the previous plan year and that your doctor prescribed for your condition or mental illness, if your doctor decides with you that it is the right treatment. Changes that cost you more, such as moving a drug to a higher copay tier, adding prior authorization, or cutting the maximum amount the plan will pay, would need 60 days' written notice before they take effect at renewal. The bill takes effect September 1, 2027 and applies to plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2028.
What it means for your community
If you take a daily medicine for a chronic condition or a mental illness, this would mean you do not have to switch drugs or pay more when your plan renews. Plans could still make changes that help you, such as adding a drug to the formulary or lowering your copay, and your doctor could still prescribe something else or your pharmacist could substitute a generic. The protection would not cover Medicaid, CHIP, self-funded employer plans, dental or vision only plans, or long-term care insurance.
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