Councilmember Mary Cheh introduces Copay Accumulator Bill

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

Councilmember Mary Cheh introduces Copay Accumulator Bill

Dec 15, 2021, 15:41 PM by MSDC Staff

The bill is a top advocacy priority for MSDC because it will help patients more easily afford prescription drugs.

On December 6, Councilmember Mary Cheh introduced B24-0557, the Copay Accumulator Amendment Act. The bill was co-introduced by Councilmembers Lewis George, Nadeau, Silverman, and Gray.

The bill would amend the Specialty Drug Copayment Limitation Act to require health insurers to apply discounts, financial assistance, payments, product vouchers, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses made by or on behalf of a member when calculating a member's coinsurance, copayment, cost-sharing responsibility, deductible, or out-of-pocket maximum for a covered benefit.

B24-0557 is a one of MSDC's top legislative priorities and an issue the Society has worked on since last year. As insurers continue to cost shift to patients, the Society is concerned our patients will face financial hardships in paying for prescriptions, especially prescriptions for more costly drugs or conditions. As Councilmember Cheh notes in her introduction:

When consumers are unable to afford health care, primarily costly prescription drugs, they are often forced to ration the medication or forgo use altogether, leading to worse healthcare outcomes, and even risk of advance disease or death.

MSDC thanks Councilmember Cheh and the co-introducers for putting forward this bill. We look forward to testifying at a future Committee on Health hearing and helping pass the legislation so DC can join more than ten states in protecting patients on this issue.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.