9/26/16
by News Department on 09/26/16Wolf supports House Bill...
A new house bill that seeks to combat the ongoing opioid crisis has come under attack due to speculation about how the bill was fast-tracked, the expense to patients and insurance companies and whether the plan can actually curb the effects of the epidemic.
House Bill 1698 requires health insurance plans to cover at least three abuse-deterrent opioids if they provide coverage for an opioid painkiller.
Abuse-deterrent opioids are painkillers that can interfere with drug euphoria, or even change the makeup of the drug if it is manipulated for snorting or injecting, making it less palatable for abuse.
The intent of the bill was to provide a therapeutic choice to patients and doctors, especially in cases where a patient or family member could be prone to opioid abuse.
The bill, which passed the House in June by a 190-3 vote, is awaiting action in a Senate committee and has the support of Gov. Tom Wolf as he presses lawmakers to pass a package of legislation this fall.
