State Rep. Rebecca Alexander, R-Jonesborough, has filed legislation to expand step therapy exemptions to ensure all cancer patients can access the medication they need.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Rebecca Alexander, R-Jonesborough, has filed legislation to expand step therapy exemptions to ensure all cancer patients can access the medication they need.
House Bill 1956 expands a law Alexander passed in 2025 prohibiting health insurers from requiring step therapy before covering an approved prescription drug for patients with stage 4 metastatic cancer or blood cancer. Her latest proposal would extend those exemptions to all cancer patients.
“This legislation ensures doctors can prescribe the right medication for cancer patients at any stage of the disease without forcing them to try a potentially less effective option first,” Alexander said. “When it comes to cancer, every day matters, and getting the proper treatment early can save lives. Tennessee must put patients first and remove unnecessary barriers to timely, effective care.”
Step therapy is a process where insurance companies require a patient to try a cheaper alternative medication before “stepping up” to the higher-level medication.
If passed, the expanded exceptions would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
House Bill 1956 is expected to be heard in the Insurance Subcommittee in the coming weeks.
Rebecca Alexander represents District 7 in the Tennessee House of Representatives which includes part of Washington County.
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