Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Committee updates oral chemotherapy parity statute with amendments
Loading...
Summary
HB 766 modernizes oral anticancer medication parity, clarifying that orally administered anticancer drugs must be treated on par with IV or injected therapies; amendments exempt certain limited‑benefit and ERISA self‑funded plans. The committee reported the bill with amendments.
Julie Stokes, representing the Louisiana Oncology Society, presented House Bill 766, which updates a 2012 oral chemotherapy parity law. Stokes said the bill ensures orally administered anticancer medications are covered with the same cost‑sharing, utilization management and co‑payment rules that apply to IV or injected anticancer therapies. The update reflects clinical changes since 2012 and aims to prevent insurers from shifting oral chemo to pharmacy benefits with higher out‑of‑pocket costs.
Committee amendments (amendment set 31‑40) clarified the scope by excluding limited benefit policies and exempting ERISA‑governed self‑funded employee plans to the extent federal law preempts state regulation. Vice Chair Ilk moved to report the bill as amended; with no objections, HB 766 was reported with amendments.
Ending: The committee reported HB 766 as amended; sponsors said the update maintains patient protections while acknowledging federal preemption and plan types excluded by the amendment.
