In the next three weeks, it will be crucial for Ohio physicians and their patients to keep Senate Bill (SB) 56 and House Bill (HB) 72 front and center with state lawmakers. Members of the Ohio House and Ohio Senate need to hear from you today.
SB 56 and HB 72 seek to better protect patients from step therapy, a health insurance cost-saving practice that forces patients to try and fail on medications selected by the health plan, before allowing access to medications first prescribed by the doctor.
SB 56 and HB 72 require that step therapy take place only if there is strong clinical evidence supporting it, and creates a standardized exemptions process, to help doctors fight for the medications they think are best for their patients. The legislation does not ban step therapy, but seeks to reform how it’s used, to better serve patients.
To send a message to your legislator in support of legislation to simplify the step therapy process, use the American Academy of Family Physicians’ Speak Out system. The process is quick and easy. Contact your state representative and state senator today.