Cutting the Red Tape: Bill targets cancer treatment delays

Tennessee lawmakers are working to make it easier for cancer patients to get the medications their doctors recommend without delays from insurance requirements.

The House this week passed a bill that would expand exemptions to a practice known as “step therapy,” which is commonly used by insurance companies to control prescription drug costs. Under step therapy, patients are required to try a lower-cost medication first before insurance will cover the treatment originally prescribed by their doctor.