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HB 898

STATE GOVERNMENT-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Welch

House Bill 898 ensures eligible Georgians can access insulin at no cost for up to a year, easing financial burdens for those with diabetes who need this essential medication.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 898

Summary of House Bill 898: Continuing Insulin Safety Net Act

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 898, titled the Continuing Insulin Safety Net Act, aims to enhance access to affordable insulin for eligible individuals in Georgia. The bill seeks to establish a structured patient assistance program that ensures individuals in need can obtain insulin at no cost for up to one year, with the possibility of annual renewal. This legislation addresses the rising costs of insulin and aims to alleviate the financial burden on those who require this essential medication.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several important provisions:

  1. Patient Assistance Program:

    • Manufacturers of insulin are required to create a patient assistance program that provides a 90-day supply of insulin at no charge to eligible individuals.
    • The program can be renewed annually, contingent upon continued eligibility.

  2. Eligibility Criteria:

    • To qualify for the program, individuals must:
      • Provide proper identification proving Georgia residency.
      • Have a family income at or below 400% of the federal poverty guidelines.
      • Not be enrolled in medical assistance or federally funded healthcare programs, with specific exceptions for Medicare Part D enrollees who have significant out-of-pocket costs.
      • Not have prescription drug coverage that limits cost-sharing for a 90-day supply of insulin to $75 or less.

  3. Manufacturer Responsibilities:

    • Insulin manufacturers must:
      • Establish at least one alternative plan to assist individuals in obtaining insulin affordably.
      • Provide clear information about their programs and alternative plans, including a hotline for inquiries.
      • Process applications for assistance and notify applicants of their eligibility status within specified timeframes.

  4. Pharmacy Involvement:

    • Pharmacies are required to dispense insulin based on the eligibility statement provided by the individual and submit orders to the manufacturer for fulfillment.

  5. Reporting and Enforcement:

    • The bill includes provisions for reporting, enforcement, and penalties for non-compliance, ensuring accountability among manufacturers and pharmacies.

Affected Parties

The primary beneficiaries of this legislation are:
- Individuals with diabetes who require insulin and meet the eligibility criteria.
- Pharmacies that will facilitate the dispensing of insulin through the assistance program.
- Insulin manufacturers who will be required to implement and manage the assistance programs.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: April 2, 2025
  • Current Status: The bill is currently at the House First Readers stage, indicating it has been introduced and is awaiting further consideration.

Conclusion

House Bill 898 represents a significant step towards making insulin more accessible and affordable for Georgia residents in need. By establishing a structured assistance program and requiring manufacturers to take proactive measures, the bill aims to reduce the financial barriers associated with insulin access, ultimately improving health outcomes for individuals with diabetes.

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

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