summary
Introduced
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Create a new section of Subtitle 17A of KRS Chapter 304 to require health plans to include a generic drug or biosimilar on the plan's formulary under specified circumstances; define terms; establish cost-sharing requirements when a generic drug or biosimilar is required to be placed on the health plan's formulary; prohibit a health plan from imposing any prior authorization, step therapy, or other limitation on coverage for a generic drug or biosimilar required to be placed on the health plan's formulary or imposing any restriction on a pharmacist or pharmacy that makes it more difficult for the insured to obtain coverage or access to the generic drug or biosimilar compared to the reference drug or product; amend KRS 304.17C-125, 164.2871, and 18A.225 to require limited health service benefit plans, self-insured group health plans offered by a state postsecondary education institution, and the state employee health plan to comply with the requirements for generic drugs and biosimilars; direct that the Act applies to health plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027; EFFECTIVE, January 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill requires health plans to include generic drugs or biosimilars on their approved drug lists, known as formularies, under specific conditions, aiming to make prescription drugs more accessible and affordable. A "generic drug" is a less expensive version of a brand-name drug with the same active ingredients and therapeutic effects, while a "biosimilar" is a biological product that is highly similar to an already approved biological product. The bill mandates that when a generic drug or biosimilar becomes available and is cheaper than its reference drug or product, health plans must add it to their formulary with more favorable cost-sharing, meaning lower out-of-pocket expenses for patients, and cannot impose extra hurdles like prior authorization or step therapy, which requires trying a cheaper drug first. These requirements also extend to limited health service benefit plans, self-insured health plans offered by state postsecondary education institutions, and the state employee health plan, with these provisions taking effect for plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
to Committee on Committees (S) (on 02/19/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26RS/sb211.html |
| BillText | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/bill/26RS/sb211/orig_bill.pdf |
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