FL H1185

Prohibits health insurance policies and health maintenance organization contracts from requiring insureds/subscribers to obtain prescription drugs for treatment of chronic illnesses (HIV infection, epilepsy, hypertension, or diabetes) exclusively from mail order pharmacies, except for excluded drugs.

Prevents insurers and health maintenance organizations from imposing higher copayments or additional conditions on insureds/subscribers who choose retail pharmacies instead of mail order pharmacies, provided the retail pharmacy agrees to the same terms and reimbursement rates.

Requires health insurers and health maintenance organizations to disclose in coverage outlines that insureds/subscribers may obtain chronic illness prescription drugs from retail pharmacies and that exclusive mail order use is not required unless the drug is excluded.

Defines "excluded drugs" as those subject to FDA restricted distribution or requiring special handling, provider coordination, or patient education that cannot be provided by retail pharmacies.

Effective date is January 1, 2018, with exemptions for grandfathered health plans and certain specified benefits.