2021 -- S 0170

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LC001009

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS

     

     Introduced By: Senators Murray, McCaffrey, Miller, Goodwin, Mack, Lawson, Kallman,
Bell, Valverde, and Goldin

     Date Introduced: February 05, 2021

     Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 27-20.8 of the General Laws entitled "Prescription Drug Benefits" is

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hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     27-20.8-3. Co-pay cap for prescription insulin.

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     (a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "prescription insulin drug"

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means a prescription drug, as defined in ยง 21-31-2, that contains insulin and is used to treat diabetes.

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     (b) A carrier that provides coverage for prescription insulin drugs pursuant to the terms of

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a health coverage plan the carrier offers shall cap the total amount that a covered person is required

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to pay for a covered prescription insulin drug at an amount not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00), per

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thirty (30) day supply of insulin, regardless of the amount or type of insulin needed to fill the

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covered person's prescription. Coverage for prescription insulin drugs shall not be subject to any

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deductible.

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     (c) Nothing in this section prevents a carrier from reducing a covered person's cost sharing

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to an amount less than the amount specified in subsection (b) of this section.

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     (d) The health insurance commissioner may use any of their enforcement powers to obtain

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a carrier's compliance with this section.

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     (e) The commissioner may promulgate rules as necessary to implement and administer this

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section and to align with federal requirements.

 

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2022.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS

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     This act would provide that health insurance carriers that provide coverage for prescription

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insulin drugs used to treat diabetes shall only be allowed to charge up to fifty ($50.00) dollars for

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a copayment for a thirty (30) day supply of insulin regardless of the amount or type of insulin

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needed to fill the covered person's prescription. Coverage for prescription insulin would not be

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subject to any deductible.

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     This act would take effect on January 1, 2022.

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