SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5775
As of January 4, 2024
Title: An act relating to cost-sharing requirements for prescription epinephrine autoinjectors.
Brief Description: Concerning cost-sharing requirements for prescription epinephrine autoinjectors.
Sponsors: Senators Keiser, Cleveland, Randall, Van De Wege, Conway, Dhingra and Kauffman.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 1/11/24.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Limits a health plan enrollee's out-of-pocket expenses for a two-pack of epinephrine autoinjectors to $60 beginning January 1, 2025.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE
Staff: Greg Attanasio (786-7410)
Background:

An epinephrine autoinjector is a medical device for injecting a measured dose of epinephrine for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis, which is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis and is available by prescription in an autoinjector.
Summary of Bill:

Health plans, including plans offered to public employees, issued or renewed after January 1, 2025 that provide coverage for epinephrine autoinjectors must cap the total amount an enrollee is required to pay for a two-pack of autoinjectors at an amount not to exceed $60. The prescription must be covered without being subject to a deductible, and any cost sharing paid by an enrollee must be applied toward the enrollee's deductible obligation.

 

For a health plan offered as a qualifying health plan for a health savings account, the health carrier must establish the plan's cost sharing for the coverage required by this section at the minimum level necessary to preserve the enrollee's ability to claim tax exempt contributions and withdrawals from the enrollee's health savings account.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 3, 2024.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.