HB 229 Summary

• Prohibits health insurers from removing covered prescription drugs from formularies during a policy year unless the FDA questions the drug's clinical safety or the manufacturer discontinues production.

• Prohibits insurers from reclassifying drugs to more restrictive tiers or increasing copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, or cost-sharing during a policy year.

• Allows insurers to add new prescription drugs to formularies at any time during the policy year.

• Applies restrictions to individual and group health insurance policies, small employer health plans, and health maintenance organizations with medical or major medical coverage.

• Effective date: January 1, 2019; does not apply to grandfathered health plans or specific benefit provisions.