ANTINEOPLASTIC DRUG COVERAGE S.B. 738:
SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 738 (as introduced 3-5-24)
Committee: Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Insurance Code to require a health insurer to provide coverage for genetic therapy and immunotherapy used in antineoplastic therapy.
Currently, the Code requires insurers that deliver, issue for delivery, or renew a health insurance policy in the State to provide coverage in each policy for a drug used in antineoplastic therapy and the reasonable cost of its administration. The bill would include genetic therapy and immunotherapy within this required coverage. "Genetic therapy and immunotherapy" would include CAR-T cell therapy.
BACKGROUND
Generally, antineoplastic therapy is a treatment for cancer. Antineoplastic drugs contain chemicals that target and kill cancer cells. CAR T-cell therapy is a process in which a person's T-cells (specific types of white blood cells) are genetically modified in a laboratory to be better at finding and destroying cancerous cells when returned to the person's body.[1]
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on the State or local government.
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
[1] "Immunotherapy", American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/immunotherapy.html. Retrieved 9-24-24.
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.