The bill aims to reduce prescription drug costs by enhancing access to biosimilar medicines, which are FDA-approved alternatives to reference drugs that meet the same standards of quality, safety, and efficacy. It introduces a new section that emphasizes the legislature's intent to eliminate barriers to accessing these cost-saving medications. The bill amends existing laws (RCW 48.43.420 and RCW 41.05.410) to establish clearer processes for patients and healthcare providers to request exceptions to prescription drug utilization management, ensuring that these requests are handled efficiently and transparently. Key provisions include requirements for health carriers to provide accessible information about exception processes, criteria for approval, and timelines for responses to requests.

Additionally, the bill mandates that health carriers must cover emergency supply fills when necessary and allows patients to remain on their current medications during the exception request process. It also emphasizes the importance of increasing the utilization of generic and biosimilar drugs in health plans, thereby promoting cost-effective treatment options. The amendments aim to create a more patient-centered approach to prescription drug management while ensuring that health carriers maintain compliance with established standards and regulations.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 48.43.420, 41.05.410