Arizona bans co-pay accumulator programs

IDF is pleased to announce that on April 11, 2019 Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed HB 2166 into law, making it the third state in the nation to ban co-pay accumulator programs.

Co-pay accumulator programs are a health insurance benefit design option in some plans that stipulate that payment from manufacturer assistance programs may not be counted toward individuals’ deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums. Thus eliminating any long-term benefit to that individual. While they would stave off high costs of medications in the short-term, once the limit for the co-pay program has been reached, the beneficiary would then have to pay their full deductible or out-of-pocket maximum for the year before their benefits would begin to cover their medical costs.

Arizona now joins Virginia and West Virginia in ensuring that manufacturer co-pay assistance is counted toward individuals’ deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums. This will help alleviate the financial burden many people with chronic, rare conditions, like PI, experience accessing their medications. IDF was active is supporting this vital piece of legislation and remains engaged on this issue across the country.

Have you had an experience with a co-pay accumulator program? Click here to tell IDF your story.