WISCONSIN (WTAQ-WRN) — Proposed legislation would require Wisconsin insurance plans and pharmacy benefits managers to accept co-pay assistance towards annual drug co-pays.
Insurance companies are telling Wisconsin patients that financial assistance from some sources doesn’t count towards their drug deductibles. Patient Deb Constantine says insurers are accepting those payments – and then billing patients again.
“These policies require patients to pay the same amount twice, to get closer to their annual out of pocket limit or annual deductibles.”
The bill’s author, state Senator Andre Jacques of DePere has something to say to insurers;
“Well, I think I would say you already got your money.” said Jacques. “I mean, it’s almost like a riddle you would tell your kids – when is a dollar not a dollar? When somebody says that it’s not even though they pocketed it already.”
Representative Lisa Subeck of Madison says bills banning the practice have been implemented in 14 other states.
The bill has bipartisan support in the legislature.
