HARRISBURG – The state Senate has approved legislation that would reduce the waiting time for Pennsylvanians to get refills of their prescription eyedrops, said bill sponsor Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41).
“When people self-administer eye drops, a certain amount goes unused due to spills or other factors,” said Pittman. “Currently in Pennsylvania, when a person runs out of their prescription eye drops prior to the expiration of the intended period of use and returns to their pharmacist seeking a refill, coverage may be denied. As a result, they are unable to refill their eye drops when needed. This causes people to either ration the remaining medication or go without.”
Senate Bill 1201 would require that health insurance policies issued or renewed in Pennsylvania provide coverage for prescription eye drop refills at 70% of the prescribed duration. Early refills shall be covered at 21 days for a 30-day supply, 42 days for a 60-day supply, and 63 days for a 90-day supply. The eye drops must be prescribed by a health care practitioner and be a covered benefit, and the number of refills may not exceed the number indicated on the original prescription.
The bill now heads to the state House of Representatives for consideration.
Contact: Jeremy Dias jdias@pasen.gov