Oklahoma Prescription Drug ‘Step Therapy’ Bill Signed Into Law

A bill intended to protect patients from a harmful insurance practice known as ‘step therapy’ has been signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt.

Senate Bill 509, authored by Rep. Cyndi Munson (D-OKC) and Sen. Dave Rader (R-Tulsa), requires any health insurance plan that utilizes a step therapy protocol to establish guidelines governing the use of the step therapy protocol using clinical practice guidelines. When a health insurance plan restricts prescription drug coverage pursuant to a step therapy protocol, the insurance provider must provide a process for a step therapy exception.

“It has been an honor to work on behalf of all Oklahomans to improve their healthcare, especially for those who have been denied the proper medication to live their daily lives without pain or suffering,” Munson said. “Now that Senate Bill 509 has been signed, we have not only provided hope, but an actual solution for those who have suffered too long.

“I am humbled and grateful for Governor Stitt’s decision to sign Senate Bill 509 swiftly into law.”