SSB 5300: Concerning continuity of coverage for prescription drugs prescribed for the treatment of behavioral health conditions.

What this bill does

Prohibits health carriers from requiring substitution of a prescribed nonpreferred drug with a preferred drug or increasing an enrollee’s cost sharing obligation when the prescription is for a refill of an antipsychotic, antidepressant, or antiepileptic drug, or any other drug prescribed to treat a serious mental illness. Adds other drugs prescribed to treat serious mental illness to the drugs for which a pharmacist may not substitute a nonpreferred drug with a preferred drug for state purchased health care programs.

From the Washington State Legislature's nonpartisan staff bill analysis. Read the full analysis ↗

Floor votes

• House: Final Passage as Amended by the House · April 6, 2023
  98 yea · 0 nay
• Senate: Final Passage as Amended by the House · April 17, 2023
  48 yea · 0 nay · 1 not voting
• Senate: 3rd Reading & Final Passage · March 1, 2023
  46 yea · 0 nay · 3 not voting

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Other bills sponsored by Dhingra

• 2SSB 5120: Establishing crisis relief centers in Washington state.
• SSB 5171: Addressing consumer gender discrimination.
• ESSB 5217: Concerning the state's ability to regulate certain industries and risk classifications to prevent musculoskeletal injuries and disorders.
• SB 5228: Providing occupational therapy services for persons with behavioral health disorders.
• E2SSB 5440: Providing timely competency evaluations and restoration services to persons suffering from behavioral health disorders.