Michelle L. Cook

State Representative Michelle L. Cook (D – Torrington) applauds the signing of legislation that protects copay assistance by prohibiting insurers from implementing copay accumulator programs. Governor Ned Lamont signed the bill into law on Wednesday.

"This bill will help control the cost of prescription medications for consumers across our state. Now more than ever, Connecticut residents need relief from ever-rising costs," Rep. Cook (D – Torrington) said. "Copay accumulator programs drive up the cost of prescription drugs, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses for policy holders, overwhelmingly impacting those with rare diseases. I was proud to support this bill and thank Governor Lamont for signing it into law to help thousands of Connecticut residents."

S.B. 1003, An Act Prohibiting Health Carriers and Pharmacy Benefits Managers from Employing Copay Accumulator Programs, requires some health carriers and pharmacy benefits managers to apply discounts and payments such as drug manufacturer coupons or copay assistance, towards a patient's deductible or copay.

Copay accumulator programs do not permit theses discounts to apply to a patient's copay or deductible, negating relief from discounts and resulting in higher out-of-pocket expenses for patients as they spend more dollars to reach their deductible. This could cause a delay in care and possible negative health outcomes.

With the signing of S.B. 1003, Connecticut joins Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Virginia, and West Virginia, as well as Puerto Rico in restricting the implementation of copay accumulator programs.