Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, issued the following statement on the passage of legislation that prohibits the use of step therapy protocols for metastatic cancer patients, HB 856, making permanent legislation passed previously in 2024. 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 was been passed by Mississippi legislature and signed into law by Governor Tate Reeves.
“We thank the legislature and Governor Reeves for repealing the expiration of this critical policy, 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 be forced fail 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 rather than 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.”
