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ALBANY, N.Y. -- A new state law that took effect Jan. 1 that curbs
the ability of insurers to use "step therapy" will boost prescription
drug costs in New York by as much as $530 million, according to an
estimate by an insurance industry group.
The New York Health Plan Association criticized Gov. Andrew Cuomo for
signing on New Year's Eve a bill that reforms a practice used by
insurers to force patients to use the least expensive drug first, even
if a patient's doctor believes a different drug is more appropriate.
Patient groups lobbied for passage of the bill that makes it easier
for doctors to override step therapy requirements if they believe using
the least expensive drug first could have a negative effect on patients.
The association, which represents insurers throughout the state, said
the new law will create problems for its members whose rates for 2017
policies have already been approved and cannot be modified.
The trade group said the new law will create instability for health
plans and consumers, and will boost Medicaid costs borne by taxpayers.
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Source: NYup.com (via The Empire Report)
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