SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6374

BYSenator Moore

Covering dialysis medications by health insurance.

Senate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 26, 1990

Senate Staff:Benson Porter (786-7470)

AS OF JANUARY 26, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Many coverages for hospital or medical expenses provided by disability insurers, health care contractors, and health maintenance organizations include partial or complete coverage for prescription drugs.  For the treatment of dialysis, certain over-the-counter drugs are recommended by physicians, and these drugs, which include large quantities of calcium, are not covered.  Some concern has been expressed that medical coverages should cover these over-the-counter drugs.

SUMMARY:

Disability insurers, health care contractors, and health maintenance organizations providing hospital or medical expense coverage must provide coverage for certain over-the-counter medications used for the treatment of dialysis.  Medications included under this coverage are those deemed medically necessary by a physician.  In addition, the coverage that is provided must be at least equal to that coverage provided for prescription drugs and may incorporate the use of copayment and deductibles.

The term "over-the-counter medications" is defined to mean those drugs that can be obtained without a prescription but does not include vitamins.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested