SENATE MEMORIAL 89

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Mary Jane M. Garcia

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO STUDY THE DISPARITIES IN AMOUNTS OF COPAYMENTS BETWEEN ORALLY AND INTRAVENOUSLY ADMINISTERED CHEMOTHERAPY MEDICATIONS.

     WHEREAS, the emergence of clinically proven safe and effective orally and intravenously administered anticancer medications has significantly increased treatment options for patients; and

     WHEREAS, oncologists have significantly improved the care of patients by utilizing both orally and intravenously administered chemotherapy medications; and

     WHEREAS, greater patient out-of-pocket cost creates a barrier for oral anticancer therapies covered under the pharmacy benefit of a health care plan; and

     WHEREAS, intravenously administered anticancer medications are typically covered under a health care plan's medical benefits and require only an office visit copayment, but orally administered chemotherapy medications are typically covered by the prescription drug benefit and require significant copayment or coinsurance to fill the prescription at a pharmacy;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health be requested to identify the disparity in patient copayments between orally and intravenously administered chemotherapies and to study the reasons for the disparity and report to the legislative health and human services committee by September 2009; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of health.

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