Happy New Year friends! I hope this year is filled with every blessing for you and your loved ones. Last year was a difficult one for my family, and we’re looking forward to a clean slate and ready to make new memories with our family and friends in 2023.
Work for the 59th Legislature is in full swing. We recently held our constitutionally required organizational day to approve leadership positions and the Senate rules before convening in joint session with the House.
We then attended the governor’s inauguration and the swearing in of the other statewide elected officials. This was my first time attending an inauguration ceremony, so it was very special. Listening to Governor Stitt and the other officials taking their oaths of office is just another reminder of how blessed we are to live in America and have a free democracy where we get to choose our leaders. Politics aside, there are so many around the world dying for the opportunity to have this incredible freedom instead of being ruled by cruel tyrants.
Bill filing has been underway with today the deadline. I’ve filed more than 20 bills with more coming. Having worked in the healthcare industry my entire career, helping improve access, affordability and services is one of my top priorities and is one of the most important responsibilities of government. So, I’ve again filed legislation to help address these important issues.
SB 13 would prohibit any pharmaceutical drug plan or pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) from refusing to approve, pay, or authorize the dispensation of a white bagged drug, which is a medication that a PBM wants to provide from their pharmacy of choice, rather than a hospital’s pharmacy, when someone is admitted to the hospital. This can cause dangerous situations for a patient if a medication isn’t properly stored or transported by the PBM’s contracted pharmacy. This protects the patient from adverse reactions. Additionally, this would prohibit such plans or plan PBMs from requiring a covered patient to self-administer an injectable white-bagged drug against a health care provider’s recommendation.
Such entities would be prohibited from requiring a covered patient to pay additional fees for such drugs and would require them to meet the supply chain security controls in the federal Drug Supply Chain Security Act. Violations would result in a fine of $5,000-$10,000 per instance. Health care providers would be provided with immunity from civil liability for any loss or harm to someone due to their health insurance plan utilizing such drugs.
SB 17 would prohibit any health benefit plan or other provider network from refusing coverage to an insured for durable medical equipment and supplies, which include things like tubing or filters for particular machines, regardless if the provider is in- or out-of-network unless there is an in-network provider within 30 miles. Additionally, if a health care provider deems it necessary that an insured receive covered medical equipment or supplies within 24 hours, the insured wouldn’t be subject to drop-shipped orders and could get such equipment and supplies from any health care provider that had the necessary equipment and supplies.
If an insured is required to utilize an out-of-network provider, the provider would be reimbursed at the same rate as an in-network provider for the equipment or supplies. Overall, this prevents companies from denying certain lifesaving or life-sustaining equipment to patients who desperately need it.
Please write to Senator Jessica Garvin, State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Room 237, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105, email me at Jessica. [email protected], or call 405-521-5522.
