Bill

SB 680

85(R) - 2017
Senate Health & Human Services
Read Bill & Check Bill Status
Senate Health & Human Services
Department of Health
Health & Human Services
Healthcare

Companion Bill

HB 1464

Vote Recommendation

No
  • Negative
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Negative
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Kelly Hancock

Bill Caption

Relating to step therapy protocols required by a health benefit plan in connection with prescription drug coverage.

Fiscal Notes

From the LBB: No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

SB 680 would amend the Insurance Code to add that a health benefit plan issuer that requires a step therapy protocol before providing coverage for a prescription drug must establish and implement the step therapy protocol in accordance with clinical review criteria. A prescription provider would be able to submit a request for exemption from the protocol to the patient’s health plan provider. If the request is denied and appealed, an independent review from a utilization review agent would take place.  

Vote Recommendation Notes

This legislation adds further regulation on top of an already heavily-regulated industry. It is not the proper role of the state government to regulate the process by which insurers manage their step therapy protocol or the process by which they handle appeals. This continues to grow the scope of government and violates our limited government principle. For these reasons, we oppose SB 680.