Bill
H 4491
Bill requires medical justification for insurance-driven medication switches, mandating physician consultation and patient notification to prevent disruptions in patient care without clinical reason.
H 4491 addresses "non-medical switching," a practice where insurance companies or pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) switch patients from their current prescription medications to different drugs without medical justification. The bill aims to establish protections requiring medical necessity for such switches and potentially mandating patient notification and physician consultation before changes occur.
Non-medical switching can disrupt patient care continuity, force people onto medications that may be less effective for their conditions, and create gaps in treatment while adjusting to new drugs. This practice disproportionately affects patients with chronic conditions, mental health disorders, and complex medical needs who have achieved stability on current medications. The bill addresses a cost-containment tactic that prioritizes insurance savings over patient health outcomes.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
