HR0450 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0450 LRB097 12219 RPM 56653 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, In response to increasing prescription drug costs, many health plans and prescription drug plans have increased enrollee cost-sharing amounts, instituted coinsurance, and created specialty tiers resulting in increased medication costs for patients participating in those plans; and

WHEREAS, The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that between the years 2000 and 2009, copayments for insured workers have increased for specialty-tier drugs; and

WHEREAS, Many health plans and prescription drug plans now require individuals to pay a coinsurance or percentage of the cost of fourth-tier or specialty-tier prescription medications; and

WHEREAS, Fourth-tier or specialty-tier medications often include medications for chronic diseases, including certain types of cancer, hemophilia, multiple sclerosis, myositis, neuropathy, arthritis, human immunodeficiency virus, and other diseases and disorders; and

WHEREAS, Coinsurance, cost-sharing, and specialty-tier pricing place significant and onerous financial burdens upon insured individuals with chronic health care issues requiring prescription medication, in many cases leading to decreased adherence or failure to take medications as prescribed, resulting in acute incidents and negative health outcomes; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that the Department of Insurance is requested to study the impacts of cost sharing, coinsurance, and specialty-tier pricing for prescription medications; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the study shall (1) determine the impact of cost sharing, coinsurance, and specialty-tier pricing on access to prescription medications for chronic health disorders and (2) identify and evaluate options for reducing any negative impacts of cost sharing, coinsurance, and specialty-tier pricing, including, but not limited to, statutory limitations on cost sharing obligations for prescription medications; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Department of Insurance shall report to the General Assembly on the first day of the regular session, 2012, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations together with drafts of legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Director of Insurance.