Amending Step-Therapy

Maine is moving towards improving its “step-therapy” medical protocol, which gives insurers the ability to provide the cheapest medications to patients rather than the most effective ones. Under step-therapy, the most applicable medications are only given if the first prescriptions fail. Critics of this system claim that it is unethical to risk a patient’s health in order to save insurers’ money. Although legislature doesn’t completely outlaw the practice of step therapy, it demands more transparency between doctors and patients regarding the process. Furthermore, the new law will make it easier for patients to appeal step-therapy treatment in light of discomfort with their current prescriptions. Ibis always stands with patients' rights and believes wholly in the power of choice. Click here to learn more about this story.