As introduced Bill 25-125 would provide that licensed health practitioner in the District may provide health care through telehealth. It also expands the circumstances under which qualified our -of -state practitioners are permitted to deliver telehealth services to patients located in the District.

As introduced Bill 25-141 would require health insurers to apply discounts, financial assistance, payments, product vouchers, or other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses made by or on behalf of a member when calculating the member’s coinsurance, copayment, cost-sharing responsibility, deductible, or out-of-pocket maximum for a covered benefit.

As introduced, Bill 25-124 would regulate the practice of health insurers that require patients and their medical providers to seek prior authorization for certain medications, medical procedures, or other medical care. It would set explicit timelines for insurers to respond to prior authorization requests and appeals and establishes what qualifications personnel must have to make these determinations. It would also clarify how insurers are to make information on prior authorization determinations available to patients and their medical providers. It would also prohibit insurers from requiring prior authorization for a treatment based solely on cost and require employers to provide timely notice to employees of medications and treatments covered under their insurer’s standard health benefit plan. FUNDING NOTE – This bill is passed Subject to Appropriations. Please see the Fiscal Impact Statement (FIS) for more information.

Ban on Non-Compete Agreements Amendment Act of 2019: Law 23-209 bans the use of non-compete provisions in employment agreements and workplace policies. It also protects employees’ right to make a complaint or file a court case and it bars employers from retaliating against employees who inquire about their rights. Among other things, it specifies statutory penalties and relief for noncompliance.

A resolution to declare the sense of the Council that the District of Columbia should urge the United States Congress to enact federal legislation to provide universal, comprehensive health coverage with zero cost-sharing for patients, and to endorse the Medicare for All Act and the State-Based Universal Health Care Act.

Seasonal Pricing Price Gouging Amendment Act of 2021. Bill 24-126 would make a public health emergency a triggering event for the prohibition against price gouging. It would also allow a seasonal pricing model to protect consumers from price gouging.

Copay Accumulator Amendment Act. Bill 24-557 would require health insurers to apply discounts, financial assistance, payments, product vouchers and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses made by or on behalf of a member when calculating the member’s coinsurance, copayment, cost-sharing responsibility, deductible, or out-of- pocket maximum for a covered benefit.