SF 307: Relating to step therapy protocols and interchangeable biosimilars

What it does

This bill relates to step therapy protocols and interchangeable biosimilars. Under current law, a health carrier, health benefit plan, or utilization review organization may require a covered person (person) to try a prescription drug (drug) with the same generic name and demonstrated bioavailability, or a biological product that is an interchangeable biological product, prior to providing coverage for an equivalent branded drug. The bill allows a health carrier, health benefit plan, or utilization review organization to also require a person to try an interchangeable biosimilar prior to providing coverage for an equivalent branded drug. “Biosimilar” and “interchangeable” are defined in the bill.

Senate subcommittee · named February 21, 2023

• Sen. Kevin Alons (R) · kevin.alons@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Janet Petersen (D) · janet.petersen@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Annette Sweeney (R) · annette.sweeney@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 4 for, 2 against

For: Medica; National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals-Iowa Chapter; Sandoz Inc.; Wellmark, Inc.

Against: Iowa Mental Health Advocacy; Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)

In plain words

1. February 15, 2023Filed in the Senate and sent to the Health and Human Services committee
2. February 21, 2023Senate subcommittee named: Alons, Petersen and Sweeney
3. February 23, 2023Subcommittee recommended against it