January 15, 2010
Sean
M. Shaw, Esq., Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate
Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate Sean Shaw is urging lawmakers to ensure
that Floridians have access to the most affordable and effective medications
available through their health insurance policies.
On January 5, ICA Shaw sent letters to Senator Mike Fasano and Representative Denise Grimsley in support of their legislation relating to prescription drug insurance coverage (SB 516/HB 275). The legislation aims to protect consumers by limiting the ability of insurers to make immediate changes to their prescription coverage in the middle of a policy year, such as suddenly changing copayment amounts or only covering generic versions of a drug.
“It is heartbreaking to think of someone going through the process of finding an effective drug for themselves and their condition, only to have their insurance company substitute the drug with a potentially less effective generic substitute,” said ICA Shaw. “This legislation will alleviate this burden so consumers can continue to use the medication that works best for them at an affordable price.”
ICA Shaw has offered to speak on behalf of the legislation when it is presented to House and Senate committees, and has also offered to meet with Senator Fasano and Representative Grimsley to address any prospective amendments or changes to the proposed legislation.
Read a copy of Insurance Consumer Advocate Shaw’s letter to Senator Fasano.