H_HIE_2017A 04/11/2017 Committee Summary

11:03 AM -- SB 17-203



Representatives Covarrubias and Kennedy presented Senate Bill 17-203 to the committee, along with a handout (Attachment A) and amendment L.019 (Attachment B). The reengrossed bill defines "step therapy" as a protocol that requires a covered person to use a prescription drug, or sequence of prescription drugs, other than the drug recommended by the covered person's health care provider, prior to the carrier providing coverage for the recommended drug. Under the bill, health insurance carriers are prohibited from requiring a covered person to undergo step therapy if the covered person has tried a step-therapy-required drug under his or her current or previous health benefit plan and use of the drug was discontinued due to a lack of efficacy or effectiveness, diminished effect, or an adverse event. A health insurance carrier or utilization review organization may request documentation from a patient or provider concerning a covered person's request to override a step therapy requirement. The bill does not preclude the use of prior authorizations for prescription drug coverage under a person's current health plan even if that drug was covered under a previous plan.



170411 AttachA.pdf170411 AttachB.pdf



11:21 AM -- Reese Garcia, representing the Rocky Mountain MS Center, testified in support of the bill.



11:24 AM -- Rebecca Gillett, representing the Arthritis Foundation, testified in support of the bill.















11:28 AM -- Mariah Leach, representing the Arthritis Foundation and Chronic Care Collaborative, testified in support of the bill.



11:48 AM -- Brandt Wilkins, representing the MS Society, testified in support of the bill.



11:56 AM -- Patrick Boyle, representing Express Scripts, testified against the bill if amended.



12:01 PM -- Charlie Sheffield, representing the Colorado Association of Health Plans, testified against the bill if amended.



12:04 PM -- Rachel Lee, representing CVS Health, testified against the bill if amended.

01:00 PM



The meeting adjourned.