Rep. Cannon introduces RS32580 to address copay accumulator practices, shifts some cost to drugmakers

Representative David Cannon introduced RS32580 at the House Health and Welfare Committee meeting, presenting the request as a replacement for an earlier bill addressing so‑called copay accumulator practices.

Cannon, who represents Legislative District 30 and said he comes from Blackfoot, told the committee he initially brought the issue forward with what became House Bill 219 and has since met stakeholders, including the family of Emerson Drolinger, a high school student in his district who has cystic fibrosis. "It seems like an unfortunate and unfair practice to me as far as how it treats the patient and his or her family in these types of situations," Cannon said, describing a billing practice in which third‑party payments toward medications are not credited toward patients' copays or out‑of‑pocket maximums.

Cannon said RS32580 retains the patient benefit of counting third‑party assistance toward copays and out‑of‑pocket limits but alters who bears some of the financial impact. "The changes that we've made also kinda shares that cost not only with the insurance company but with the pharmaceutical company that is typically the third party that is helping with these medical payments," he said, adding that the change should lessen upward pressure on premiums if insurers pass along costs.

The committee introduced RS32580 by motion and carried the introduction by voice vote. The chair said the representative would be called back when the committee schedules a hearing on the request.

Votes at the meeting on this item were by voice; the committee recorded the motion to introduce RS32580 as approved.