Cortez Masto Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation To Provide Patients With Safe, Timely Access To Treatment
'Step therapy,' also known as 'fail first,' is a common protocol that requires patients to try and fail with lower-cost medications that are preferred by insurers before moving onto the drug originally prescribed by their physician. Although this process attempts to control health care costs, it can be harmful, as it requires patients to use medications even when their doctor is certain that the initial treatment will not work.
"Nevadans should not have to go to great lengths to get their health insurance to approve access the medication that works for them, that is why I'm proud to join this bipartisan legislation to remove unnecessary barriers keeping patients from the care they need," said Senator
Specifically, the Safe Step Act would amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to require group health plans to implement a clear, transparent, and timely process for a patient or physician to request an exception to a step therapy protocol. The legislation outlines 5 exceptions to fail first protocols, including the following:
* The patient already tried and failed on the required drug
* Delayed treatment will cause irreversible consequences
* The required drug will cause harm to the patient
* The required drug will prevent a patient from working or fulfilling Activities of Daily Living
* The patient is stable on their current medication
Senator
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Original text here: https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-cosponsors-bipartisan-legislation-to-provide-patients-with-safe-timely-access-to-treatment
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