AUGUSTA – Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, issued the following statement on the passage of LD 178, legislation that expands the prohibition of step therapy protocols for metastatic cancer patients. Step therapy, also referred to as “fail first,” requires a patient to first try a health plan preferred drug, have that drug fail them – meaning the treatment didn’t work for the patient – before they can use the treatment their provider prescribed. The legislation has been approved by the Maine Legislature and signed into law by Governor Janet Mills.
“We thank the legislature and Governor Mills for eliminating insurance barriers so that metastatic cancer patients with state-regulated health plans receive immediate access to the most effective treatments from the start and will not to be forced to fail on an alternative treatment first,” said Molly Guthrie, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Komen.
“Komen believes treatment decisions are most effectively made through a collaborative process involving patients and their providers, prioritizing individual needs and not based on harmful insurer policies. Unfortunately, most step therapy protocols rely on generalized information regarding patients and their treatments and don’t consider unique experiences, previous responses to treatments and any comorbidities.
“Komen will continue to advocate for legislation that ensures fair and equitable access to high-quality and affordable breast care for all.”
Representative Kristi Mathieson, who helped this bill become law, added: “I am proud to have championed LD 178, and I am grateful for Governor Mills for signing this bill into law to help streamline the treatment process for metastatic cancer patients across our state. I believe strongly the best option of care should be determined between the provider and patient, especially healthcare decisions in such grave situations as metastatic cancer treatment.”
