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Easier Access to Medications: Ending Treatment Barriers

This new law makes it easier for citizens to access necessary medications by removing the requirement to try cheaper alternatives if a doctor deems them ineffective or harmful. This means patients will receive appropriate treatment faster, potentially improving their health and quality of life. Insurers will need to implement clear appeal procedures and process exception requests more quickly.
Key points
Patients can request an exception to "step therapy" if prescribed drugs are ineffective, harmful, or delay treatment.
Health insurers must establish a clear and prompt process for exception requests, with deadlines of up to 72 hours (or 24 hours in urgent cases).
An approved step therapy exception guarantees drug coverage for at least one year.
Insurers will be required to report data on exception requests, increasing system transparency.
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Introduced
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Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_5509
Sponsor: Rep. Allen, Rick W. [R-GA-12]
Process start date: 2025-09-19
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Safe Step Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 119_HR_5509.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2025-09-19.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Patients can request an exception to "step therapy" if prescribed drugs are ineffective, harmful, or delay treatment.
  • Health insurers must establish a clear and prompt process for exception requests, with deadlines of up to 72 hours (or 24 hours in urgent cases).
  • An approved step therapy exception guarantees drug coverage for at least one year.
  • Insurers will be required to report data on exception requests, increasing system transparency.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Introduced.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Allen, Rick W. [R-GA-12].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-23.

CATEGORIES

Health