Blue Shield California proposed benefit changes for commercial plans next year that would force consumers to pay more to fill prescriptions at pharmacies outside of an established network, according to Kaiser Health News.
The proposal calls for the development of a "tiered pharmacy network" in the payer's small- and large-group plans for 2018. Blue Shield California submitted the plan to the California Department of Managed Health Care, which is a state health insurance regulator, according to KHN.
While consumers could still choose from a broad selection of pharmacies, they would have to pick a preferred pharmacy to maintain their copayment amount for this year, according to the report. They would have to pay up to $50 more for the same prescription outside of that network, according to the company's proposal.
If the regulator approves the plan by the end of 2017, more than 1.8 million consumers would have their coverage affected, based on 2015 figures from the department, reports KHN.
More articles on payer issues:
3 things to know about Aetna's price tag for failed Humana merger
Aetna says changes to Medicare, Medicaid under ACA replacement could hurt bottom line
Humana, Fresenius partner for national ESRD program