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Bill to prohibit co-pay accumulators fails on 7-8 roll call and is held in committee
Summary
H 713, which would prevent insurers from excluding third-party copay assistance from patient cost-sharing, was presented and debated; supporters described hardships from expensive medications while insurers warned of higher deductibles and legal conflicts. A DO PASS motion failed 7–8; H 713 will be held in committee.
Rep. David Cannon presented H 713 to prohibit insurer co-pay accumulator policies that prevent third-party financial assistance from counting toward a patient’s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. Rep. Ben Fuhriman, who continued the presentation, said high deductibles on exchange plans impose heavy burdens on families and estimated any rate increase from the change would be minimal.
Several individuals testified in support: Tiffany Mecham, Lisal Drollinger and Trevor Drollinger described the impact of expensive medications on individuals and families and argued that the bill would allow better use of funds from families or assistance programs. "This legislation allows recognition and better use of funds from families or financial assistance programs they would not pursue otherwise," the committee record states.
Steve Thomas, representing the Association of Idaho Health Plans, testified in opposition, telling the committee the change could increase plan deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket limits and may conflict with the state kick-back statute. In closing, Rep. Fuhriman framed the bill as targeted help for families who did not alter their income to obtain Medicaid coverage; Rep. Cannon shared a personal family billing example.
Rep. Wheeler moved to send H 713 to the floor with a DO PASS recommendation. Rep. Cayler requested a roll call; the motion failed on a vote of 7 AYE, 8 NAY, and 1 Absent/Excused. Voting AYE were Reps. Vander Woude, Erickson, Wheeler, Fuhriman, Stone, Rubel and Egbert. Voting NAY were Reps. Healey, Redman, Beiswenger, Burgoyne, Cayler, Leavitt, Thompson and Tanner(13). Rep. McCann was absent/excused. The bill will be held in committee.
