(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana lawmakers are moving forward with legislation aimed at giving patients with advanced cancer faster access to prescription medications recommended by their doctors.
House Bill 1114, authored by Rep. Cherrish Pryor (Dem, 94th District), cleared the House Insurance Committee and would prohibit insurance companies from requiring step therapy -- often called "fail first" -- for patients diagnosed with advanced cancer. Step therapy requires patients to try less expensive treatments before insurers approve the medication prescribed by their physician.
Supporters of the bill argue that step therapy can be especially harmful for advanced cancer patients, where timing and access to the right medication can be critical to outcomes.
House Bill 1114 applies specifically to advanced cancer cases and would not eliminate step therapy requirements for other conditions.
The legislation now moves to the full Indiana House for further debate and a possible vote, according to the Indiana General Assembly.