Wisconsin Senate Approves Changes To Prescription Drug Practices

The Wisconsin Senate has passed a bipartisan proposal designed to make it easier for patients to get needed prescription drugs even when insurance companies force them to try less-expensive alternatives first.

The Senate approved the measure unanimously on a voice vote Wednesday. It now heads to the Assembly, which must also pass it before it would go to Gov. Tony Evers.

Under step therapy, an insurance company can require a patient to try less expensive treatment options before advancing to more expensive ones originally prescribed by a doctor. The bill would establish a clear appeals process and detail cases for bypassing the protocol when medically necessary.

Eighteen other states have adopted similar guidelines and protocols making it easier for patients to get exceptions.