Oregon House & Senate Unanimously Pass Rep. Levy’s Co-Pay Fairness Bill

Yesterday the legislature passed Rep.Emerson Levy’s Co-Pay Fairness Bill (HB 4113), legislation that helps Oregonians facing already high healthcare costs afford life-saving medicines. Levy introduced this concept to address healthcare affordability and lower everyday costs. 

In Oregon, some patients must either pay out of pocket for prescription drugs or stop taking them altogether because, under some commercial insurance plans,  insurance companies aren't required to accept financial assistance toward an enrollee’s annual deductible. Discontinuation of medication can lead to irreversible or life-threatening health consequences for chronic disease patients. 

Levy’s legislation, HB 4113 requires insurers to accept third-party financial assistance to an enrollee's annual deductible to pay for life-saving medicines. 

“Prescription drug costs are going up while Oregonians are feeling the squeeze. This bill is crucial to ease that burden for our most vulnerable Oregonians who depend on life-saving medication,” said Rep. Emerson Levy (D-Central Oregon).

The Pacific Northwest Bleeding Disorders (PNWBD), an organization to enhance the quality of life for individuals with bleeding disorders, strongly advocated for the legislation. On its passing, PNWBD Executive Director, Madonna McGuire Smith, said: “This was such a misunderstood concept four years ago when we started pushing for this legislation. Today our Oregon Legislators made a change that will result in a positive impact on thousands of Oregonians. Those with some of the most expensive chronic conditions will soon see more support and money in their pocket.” 

On the House Floor Levy affirmed her commitment to continuing this work: “This is the first bill in a longer conversation about cleaning up this messy system of coupons and off-label prescribing in Oregon and nationally. I will continue to work to address the cost of prescriptions in Oregon.” 

Oregon is the 20th state to pass similar legislation. HB 4113 is on its way to the Governor's desk.