Legislation to Help People Keep Access to Needed Medications Introduced by Rep. Liston

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Beth Liston (D-Dublin) today announced the introduction of legislation to prohibit non-medical switching in conjunction with Rep. Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton). Non-medical switching is when the payer, or insurance provider, implements a policy that forces a patient to switch from their current medication to a different medication for reasons wholly unrelated to the patients’ health. 

As the law currently stands, people may choose an insurance plan during open enrollment because their medication is covered, but health insurance plans may change coverage of that medicine at any time during a plan year. House Bill (HB) 291 prohibits this practice, which hurts patients. 

“People should be able to get medication they need at an expected and affordable price. Insurance companies shouldn’t be able to unexpectedly change coverage or force people to switch to a different medicine. This bill will prohibit this unfair practice that harms people in Ohio,” said Rep. Liston. 

HB 291 is now in the Rules and Reference Committee, awaiting its committee assignment. 

If you are interested in supporting this bill or would like to know more, you can email Rep08@ohiohouse.gov or call Rep. Liston’s office at (614) 644-6030.