House Bill No. 766, introduced by Representative Freeman, aims to enhance health insurance coverage for orally administered anti-cancer medications by ensuring parity with intravenously administered or injected anti-cancer medications. The bill amends R.S. 22:999.1 to establish that health coverage plans must provide coverage for prescribed oral anti-cancer medications on terms no less favorable than those for intravenous options. It prohibits various cost-sharing practices, including prior authorization, dollar limits, and copayment adjustments that could lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses for patients. Additionally, it mandates that cost-sharing for these medications count towards the enrollee's deductible and annual out-of-pocket maximum, ensuring equitable access to life-saving treatments.

The proposed law also clarifies definitions related to anti-cancer medications and health coverage plans, while specifying its applicability to individual and group health plans, high-deductible plans, and qualified health plans offered through health benefit exchanges. However, it explicitly excludes limited benefit health insurance policies and self-funded employee benefit plans governed by ERISA from its provisions. The bill aims to modernize and expand existing requirements, thereby improving access to essential cancer treatments for patients in Louisiana.

Statutes affected:
HB766 Original:
HB766 Engrossed: