Statement on Passage of Legislation Increasing Access to Treatments for Metastatic Cancer Patients in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - Susan G. Komen®, the world's leading breast cancer organization, issued the following statement on the passage of HB 1114, which prohibits the use of step therapy protocols for metastatic cancer patients. 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 has been passed by Indiana Legislature and signed into law by Governor Mike Braun.

"We thank the legislature and Governor Braun for 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 or any comorbidities.

"Komen will continue to advocate for legislation that ensures fair and equitable access to high-quality and affordable breast care for all."