Lorain Times

State Representative Gayle Manning (R- North Ridgeville) has introduced legislation aimed at preventing insurance companies from requiring physician-administered drugs to be purchased through an insurer's specialty pharmacy before being shipped to a healthcare provider. Manning's bill seeks to address the issue of white-bagging insurance practices, where insurers mandate the purchase of certain drugs from their preferred specialty pharmacy and then transport them to healthcare providers for treatment.

"These insurance practices may be cost-efficient for the company, but do not consider the health of the patient," said Manning. She emphasized that such practices can lead to treatment delays as patients have to wait for the drugs to be received by the healthcare practice, which could take days or even weeks in cases of delivery issues or administrative hurdles.

Manning's legislation aims to protect patients by prohibiting insurance providers from requiring or incentivizing physician-administered drugs or medications through an affiliated pharmacy. Additionally, insurance providers will not be allowed to increase cost-sharing for drugs distributed outside of a pharmacy setting. The bill includes provisions that allow insurance providers to work with certain pharmacies in cases where drugs require compounding or a patient's clinical presentation for administration.

The proposed legislation, House Bill 156, has been introduced to the House Insurance Committee but has not yet been scheduled for additional hearings.

Manning's bill addresses an important issue in the healthcare system, focusing on patient well-being and timely access to critical medications. The introduction of this legislation highlights the need for increased transparency and patient-centered practices within the insurance industry. As Manning stated, "We don't want Ohioans waiting on critical drugs so insurance companies can make a few more dollars."

The impact of this legislation, if passed, could significantly improve the healthcare experience for patients in Ohio. By eliminating the requirement for drugs to be purchased through a specific pharmacy, patients will have greater flexibility and accessibility to their prescribed medications. The bill's provisions for working with certain pharmacies in specific cases also ensure that patients receive the necessary care without unnecessary barriers.

It is now up to the House Insurance Committee to consider the bill and hold hearings on its potential benefits and implications. The introduction of House Bill 156 marks a positive step toward addressing the issue of white-bagging insurance practices and prioritizing the health and well-being of patients in Ohio.

To learn more, click on this link: https://ohiohouse.gov/members/gayle-manning/news/manning-introduces-bill-to-house-insurance-committee-117747