2/29/2012
A number of states, including Iowa, enacted regulations effective January 1, 2012 that mandate equal coverage of certain chemotherapy drugs. These regulations, commonly referred to as chemotherapy parity laws, are intended to provide consistency for individuals who receive oral or intravenous (IV) chemotherapy. The laws apply only for patients who are covered under a fully insured coverage plan, and generally prohibit the benefit plan from applying a copay or coinsurance level on oral chemotherapy drugs that is less favorable to the customer than the copay or coinsurance level which applies to IV chemotherapy drugs prescribed for the same condition.