by Karl Voigt
“Formulary.”
If House Bill 18 passes and you’re a workers’ compensation recipient, that’s a word you’re going to have to get used to.
And likely another word:
“NO“.
This new legislation is intended to reduce costs for insurance companies by limiting the types of drugs that doctors can prescribe for you. Which means that a panel of people who have no idea who you are is going to decide what medications you can and can’t take. House Bill 18 would enlist a private company to create a list – or “formulary” – of medications that are “allowed” to treat Pennsylvania injured workers. Non-formulary drugs would need a doctor’s special authorization that they are “medically necessary”.
While opponents of the Bill have procedurally postponed a vote, it may make its way back out of the House Labor & Industry Committee.
In short, it made its way back to committee pending legislators meeting with municipal and state police unions as well as health care providers. If their concerns are addressed, the bill can be amended and sent to the floor for another vote.
The Pennsylvania Bar Association remains opposed to the Bill.
Prince Law Offices Blog 