Vote Smart's Synopsis:

A vote to pass a bill that requires large group health plans to cover medically necessary prescription drugs.

Highlights:

• Requires a large group health insurance policy to include coverage for medically necessary basic health care services (Sec. 1). 

• Defines “Basic health care services” as the following (Sec. 1):

• Consultation and referral services from physicians;

• Hospital inpatient and ambulatory services;

• Diagnostic laboratory and diagnostic and therapeutic radiologic services;

• Home health services;

• Preventive health services;

• Emergency health services;

• Ambulance and ambulance transport services through the “911” emergency services system; and

• Hospice care that is equivalent to hospice care provided by Medicare.

• Prohibits a large group health insurance policy from imposing annual lifetime dollar limits on basic health care services or medically necessary prescription drugs (Sec. 1). 

• Requires the Department of Insurance to consult with the Department of Managed Health Care to create the regulations implementing this section (Sec. 1). 

Full Bill Text