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Bill

SB 443

NO CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING DRUG COST SHARING

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Martin Hickey

Prohibits health insurance cost-sharing for cholesterol-lowering drugs to improve medication access and adherence, but faces opposition over premium increases and potential cost escalation.

action postponed indefinitely
#health&healthfacilities #insurance
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Bill Summary · SB 443

Legislative bill overview

SB 443 would prohibit health insurance plans from requiring cost-sharing (copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles) for cholesterol-lowering medications, including statins and other lipid-lowering drugs. The bill aims to remove financial barriers that may prevent patients from accessing these commonly prescribed preventive medications.

Why is this important

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death, and medication adherence is critical for managing cholesterol levels. Cost-sharing requirements can discourage patients from filling prescriptions or taking medications as prescribed, potentially increasing hospitalizations and health complications. This policy directly affects affordability of a widely-used medication class that benefits millions of Americans.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost impact: Insurers argue that eliminating cost-sharing increases premiums for all enrollees, potentially raising overall healthcare costs for consumers and employers
  • Drug selection concerns: Requiring no cost-sharing for an entire drug class may incentivize use of more expensive medications over equally effective generic alternatives, driving up system-wide costs
  • Scope limitations: The bill applies only to cholesterol drugs while other chronic disease medications (diabetes, hypertension) remain subject to cost-sharing, raising equity questions about why this class receives special treatment

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

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