Rep. Rebecca Alexander sponsors bill to expand step therapy exemptions, help cancer patients

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Tennessee General Assembly approved legislation to expand step therapy exemptions, a process in which insurance companies require a patient to try a lower-cost medication before approving a higher-cost medication.

According to a release, state Rep. Rebecca Alexander (R-Jonesborough) sponsored House Bill 1956, which would expand a 2025 law that "prohibits health insurers from requiring step therapy before covering approved prescription drugs for patients with stage 4 metastatic cancer or blood cancer."

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The release said House Bill 1956 extends those protections to all cancer patients.

"This legislation ensures cancer patients can access the right treatment from the start without having to try less effective options first," Alexander said. "Time matters in cancer care, and getting the right medication early can save lives. I'm grateful to my colleagues in the General Assembly for their support."

The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee's desk to be signed into law. The expanded exemptions will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2027, according to the release.