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Bill

HB 870

INSURANCE/HEALTH: Provides relative to formulary placement and cost-sharing requirements for certain generic drugs and biosimilars (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Turner

Louisiana bill regulating insurance formulary placement and cost-sharing for generic drugs and biosimilars to improve medication affordability and access.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 870

Legislative bill overview

HB 870 establishes requirements for how insurance companies must handle generic drugs and biosimilars in their formularies—the lists of covered medications—and what cost-sharing amounts patients must pay. The bill appears to mandate certain placement and pricing rules to ensure generic and biosimilar medications remain affordable and accessible to insured patients.

Why is this important

Generic drugs and biosimilars are typically lower-cost alternatives to brand-name medications, and formulary placement directly affects whether patients can easily access them. By regulating how insurers can structure copays and deductibles for these drugs, the bill aims to prevent insurers from making generics unaffordable or inconvenient, which could force patients toward more expensive brand-name options and increase overall healthcare costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance industry burden: Insurers may argue the requirements limit their ability to negotiate costs and manage drug spending, potentially increasing premium prices for all consumers
  • Definition scope: Disputes over which drugs qualify as "generic" or "biosimilar" and whether the rules apply broadly or narrowly could affect implementation
  • Market incentives: Restrictions on cost-sharing might reduce insurers' leverage to encourage use of the most cost-effective medications, potentially undermining price competition

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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