10/21/2020

Update on Senate Bill 612 Prior Authorization and Step Therapy

New life was breathed into Senate Bill 612 on Thursday, September 24 when a substitute (S-1) to Senate Bill 612 was adopted and passed out of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee by a vote of 8 yeas, 0 nays, and 2 passes.

Senate Bill 612, introduced by Senator Curt VanderWall, seeks to address denials and delays in patient care that result from cumbersome prior authorization and step therapy processes.

The substitute made changes to assuage concerns from the insurance industry nonetheless, the insurance industry and some business groups remained steadfastly opposed. Among the changes to the bill was the inclusion of electronic prior authorization requirements.

The bill now moves to the floor where it is expected to undergo further revisions before consideration by the full Senate chamber.

MSHO will continue to monitor progress and provide input on revisions to this bill.