Ohio House Bill 177: Combating Soaring Co-Pay Costs for Patients

In Ohio, House Bill 177 is being pushed through the legislature to ensure that patients can afford their medication co-pays without facing obstacles. This legislation aims to tackle the issue of high co-pays that patients often face when purchasing their medications.

Similar legislation has already been passed in at least 19 states, including neighboring states like Kentucky and West Virginia. The problem is that insurance companies are not required to apply a co-pay to a patient’s out-of-pocket deductible for the year. As a result, patients have to pay more than expected for their medications.

Cancer drugs are known to be very expensive, even with insurance coverage, co-pays can be as high as $500 or more. Leo Almeida, the director of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, highlighted the financial burden that affording medication poses for many patients, particularly those with cancer. He stated that many patients seek help through co-pay assistance programs, charities, churches, or community organizations. However, the current practice of insurance companies not applying co-pays to deductibles means that patients continue to have to pay their deductible, resulting in additional costs.

Advocates for House Bill 177 assert that passing this legislation would make healthcare more affordable for Ohio residents. By requiring insurance companies to apply co-pays to patients’ deductibles, individuals would be able to reach their deductible quicker, resulting in reduced out-of-pocket costs for medication and medical procedures throughout the year. This change would provide more financial relief for patients struggling to afford essential medications.