Bill > SB642

This bill requires health insurance providers, health maintenance organizations, and other similar entities to allow patients to choose where they receive certain prescription drugs, specifically those for cancer and blood diseases, and supportive therapies like anti-emetics, antibiotics, and pain medications. It mandates that provider-administered drugs for these conditions can be dispensed by an in-network treating provider, even if there's a delay from a designated specialty pharmacy, and that self-administered drugs can be sent to a pharmacy chosen by the patient. The bill clarifies that "FDA-approved" refers to drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It also states that these requirements apply to new or renewed insurance policies and contracts, with exceptions for short-term or limited coverage plans and those for Medicare beneficiaries, and importantly, it prohibits insurers from penalizing providers or pharmacies for adhering to these patient choice provisions.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB642