Bill > SB2081

This bill expands protections for individuals diagnosed with cancer by prohibiting health benefit plans from requiring a "step therapy protocol" before covering an approved prescription drug. Step therapy is a process where a patient must try certain medications, often less expensive ones, before their insurance will cover a more specific or potentially more effective drug. Previously, this prohibition only applied to patients with stage 4 advanced metastatic cancer or metastatic blood cancer; this bill broadens it to cover any type of cancer. The changes aim to ensure that individuals with any cancer diagnosis can access necessary prescription drugs without undue delays or requirements imposed by their insurance plans.