s2166

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Fred H. Madden and Senate President Steve Sweeney to provide for proper treatment of glaucoma, a disease that can lead to blindness if left untreated, by requiring that health insurers allow patients to receive early refills for medicated eye drops, was signed into law today.

The law (S-2166) aims to protect glaucoma patients against interruptions in treatment, which could potentially result in faster progression of the disease. The measure requires that in certain circumstances, health insurers that provide coverage for prescription eye drops allow early refills as long as the requested refill does not exceed the number of additional quantities indicated on the original prescription.

“Individuals suffering from glaucoma can have difficulty administering eye drops, which leads to unintentional waste and may cause patients to run out of medication before their prescription can be renewed,” said Madden (D-Camden/Gloucester). “By allowing patients to obtain early refills, this legislation will reduce the risk of interrupting treatment and ensure that patient health can no longer be jeopardized by insurance restrictions.”

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Fred H. Madden and Senate President Steve Sweeney to allow for proper treatment of glaucoma, a disease that can lead to blindness if left untreated, by requiring that health insurers allow patients to receive early refills for medicated eye drops, was approved today by the Senate Commerce Committee.

The bill (S-2166) is intended to protect glaucoma patients against interruptions in treatment, which could potentially result in faster progression of the disease. The measure would require that in certain circumstances health insurers that provide coverage for prescription eye drops allow early refills as long as a refill exists on the original prescription.

“It has been found that individuals suffering with glaucoma can have difficulty administering eye drops, often times leading to unintentional waste of the medication. When this happens, patients can be left without the medication they need to treat the disease,” said Senator Madden (D-Camden/Gloucester). “It is important that we take action to ensure that patients are not at risk of experiencing interruptions in therapy because of a restriction placed on prescriptions by insurers. This will allow patients who need legitimately need earlier refills to access the treatment they need.”