BRIEF: Bill passes to reform use of step therapy

Feb. 13--The practice of step therapy, in which patients are required by insurance companies to try the least expensive forms of treatment first, would be curtailed under a bill passed by the Legislature.

If signed by Gov. Susana Martinez, Senate Bill 11 would allow patients and doctors to appeal an insurance company's directive. Insurers would have to base their step therapy protocols on recommendations of "an interdisciplinary panel of experts, which would use analytical and methodological experts to help with data analysis and interpretation of high-quality research studies in recommending the steps patients would be required to take," according to a press release.

"We want to make sure patients get the best possible treatment," said Sen. Gay Kernan, R-Hobbs, one of four cosponsors on the bill. "At the same time, we believe insurance plans will benefit as well because any additional cost in making sure patients remain on the most effective drug could be offset by the savings in keeping patients out of the emergency room and inpatient care. I am pleased we were able to reach agreement so insurance companies are no longer opposed to the bill and are neutral to it."

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