Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Panel approves measure to remove step-therapy barriers for metastatic cancer treatments
Loading...
Summary
House Bill 858 would remove step-therapy requirements for metastatic cancer to allow oncologists to prescribe the first-line drug their patients need. The subcommittee advanced the bill after sponsor testimony describing delays in access to care.
The Insurance Subcommittee voted Wednesday to advance House Bill 858, which would remove step-therapy requirements for patients with metastatic cancer so clinicians can prescribe the drug they determine is appropriate without prior insurer-required step trials.
Chairman Alexander, sponsor of House Bill 858, described personal encounters with patients who waited for insurer approval. “In the last year, I've dealt with 3 loved ones with cancer,” he said. “Already lost 2. Had kidney cancer. Niece, 37 years old, with a glioblastoma brain tumor. 2 weeks ago, she did not have approval for the latest treatment that she needed to have. 10 days, this child waited.”
Alexander told the subcommittee removing step therapy is intended to reduce potentially life-threatening delays in care. Committee members did not ask follow-up questions on the record. The subcommittee voted 5-0 to forward the bill to the full Insurance Committee.
No implementation timeline or fiscal estimate was provided during the subcommittee discussion.
