HCS HB 342 Pouche, Sean Committee
HCS HB 342 -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN PRESCRIPTIONS
SPONSOR: Pouche
COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass with HCS" by the Standing Committee on Healthcare Reform by a vote of 12 to 0. Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Rules- Administrative Oversight by a vote of 7 to 0.
The following is a summary of the House Committee Substitute for HB 342.
This bill requires insurers that provide coverage for epinephrine auto-injectors or prescription insulin drugs to limit the total amount that an insured is required to pay for a 30 day supply of covered epinephrine auto-injectors or prescription insulin drugs to an amount not to exceed $35 for insulin and $100 for epinephrine injectors, regardless of the quantity or type of covered prescription insulin drug used to fill the insured's prescription. The limit can increase yearly based on a percentage equal to the percentage change from the preceding year in the medical care component of the Consumer Price Index.
The Director of the Department of Commerce and Insurance may establish all necessary rules and regulations for the administration of this section.
The Department of Commerce and Insurance, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Senior Services and the Department of Social Services, shall make a report available to the public of findings from each department as specified in the bill by October 31, 2023.
This bill is similar to HB 2159 (2022), HB 1350, and HB 1409 (2021).
The following is a summary of the public testimony from the committee hearing. The testimony was based on the introduced version of the bill.
PROPONENTS: Supporters say that any measure to reduce the costs of insulin drugs, in order to save lives and ensure patients live healthier lives, is worth it.
Testifying in person for the bill were Representative Pouche; and the Mo State Medical Association.
OPPONENTS: Those who oppose the bill say that this will re-shift the cost of the drugs to enrollees in the form of health insurance premiums, and that this bill does not get at the heart of high prices, which are set by the manufacturers.
Testifying in person against the bill were Missouri Insurance Coalition; America's Health Insurance Plans, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of KC.
Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.