MADISON, Wis (May 24, 2023) – The Wisconsin All Copays Count Coalition (WACCC) which represents patients whose health and finances are at risk from an unfair insurer policy that stops drug assistance programs from counting toward patient deductibles or out of pocket maximums, today applauded the Texas Legislature for putting the state in line to become the 18th in the nation to ban unfair copay accumulator policies. Both Texas Houses combined to cast 171 votes to pass the All Copays Count legislation with only five votes against. The bill passed the Republican-controlled Texas House on a 140-5 vote and the Republican-controlled State Senate on a unanimous 31-0 vote.
“This week, yet another state is standing up to say no to unfair insurer copay accumulator policies and we applaud Texas legislators for doing the right thing and protecting patients, especially those who are the most vulnerable to these costly, unfair programs being forced on them,” said Rob Gundermann, CEO of the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging and Health Groups and chair of the WACCC. “Even the insurers are recognizing that accumulator programs unfairly punish those who rely on medically necessary specialty medications.”
Gundermann noted the testimony of the CEO of the Texas Association of Health Plans was especially telling when they registered as neutral on the bill, recognizing the need for patients to have access to the assistance. Similar to the proposed Wisconsin legislation (SB 100/AB 103), House Bill 999 contains legislation that ensures patients are not incentivized away from generic drugs.
“What is happening around the country is about fixing a bad and unfair insurer policy that is currently hurting patients everywhere – including right here in Wisconsin,” said Gundermann. “We have amassed one of the most co-sponsored bills of the session so far (46 co-sponsors), with strong bipartisan support including a majority of members of the Assembly Health Committee, and we look forward to the hearings these bills deserve in the Assembly and Senate to protect Wisconsin patients.”
More information on the Wisconsin All Copays Count Coalition including a list of members can be found at www.WI4Patients.com.
