This bipartisan bill ensures that patients can safely and efficiently access the best treatment available by improving step therapy protocols.  

Step therapy is a prior-authorization policy that requires patients to try and fail one or more insurer-preferred treatments before coverage is granted for the medication originally prescribed by their clinician. While intended to reduce unnecessary utilization, these protocols too often force a trial-and-error approach that can jeopardize patient health, increase administrative burdens, and undermine continuity of care.  

The Safe Step Act requires group health plans to offer a clear, timely exceptions process when step therapy is not in a patient’s best interest. 

Exceptions must be granted when: 

• The insurer-required treatment has been ineffective. 
• It is expected to be ineffective and delaying care risks irreversible harm. 
• It will cause or is likely to cause an adverse reaction. 
• It is expected to prevent the patient from performing daily activities or work. 
• Other circumstances determined by the Employee Benefits Security Administration apply.