S. 2903 · In committee · Health

Safe Step Act

What it does

Requires group health plans and health insurers to establish a clear, prompt, and transparent process for participants, beneficiaries, or prescribers to request exceptions to medication step therapy protocols.
Mandates that plans and issuers approve exceptions when six specified clinical circumstances are met, including treatment ineffectiveness, contraindications, severe adverse reactions, or functional impairment.
Requires plans and issuers to use a standard form available in paper and electronic formats, accept submissions by both means, and disclose the specific criteria used to evaluate exception requests.
Specifies that plans and issuers must provide a determination of exception eligibility within 72 hours of an initial request or within 72 hours of receiving additional required information, with expedited review for cases that may jeopardize life, health, or function.

Mar 19, 2026: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held.

Committee: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions