Bill would close mail-order drug loophole in New York

[hrmjustin]

By Nick Niedzwiadek

Albany

Less than three years after Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation blocking health insurers from forcing people to use mail-order pharmacies, consumer advocates are looking to close a loophole that allows them to continue to do so.

In late 2011, Cuomo signed the Anti-Mandatory Mail Order Pharmacy bill, but so-called "specialty drugs" — expensive medication for cancer, HIV/AIDS and other diseases — continued to be covered under health insurance exclusively through mail-order pharmacies.

Assemblyman John T. McDonald III, a Cohoes Democrat who owns Marra's Pharmacy on Remsen Street, is a co-sponsor of a new Assembly bill that would close that gap. He was also a vocal supporter of the original bill before being elected to the Legislature.
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Bill-would-close-mail-order-drug-loophole-in-New-5496783.php