The legislature concluded work on the Fiscal Year 2020-21 budget and  made good use of the few joint session days before adjourning until after the November 3^rd Election.  It was a pleasant development that Senator VanderWall pushed action on his legislative proposal dealing with prior authorization (SB 612). As the primary sponsor of the bill and chairing the Senate Health Policy and Human Services Committee, Sen VanderWall succeeded in reporting out the measure despite strong opposition from insurers and purchasers. The committee vote was 8 -0 with 2 passes.  While much work needs to continue on the bill and negotiations will continue while the bill remains pending on the Senate floor,  the Michigan Osteopathic Association extends a  thank you to the Senate Health Policy and Human Services Committee and Chairperson Curt Vanderwall for advancing this bill that holds promise for ending dangerous delays in treating patients and removing step therapy obstacles physicians are subject to by insurance companies. When it comes to health care, Michigan patients deserve reforms that removes red tape and puts treatment in the hands of physicians and their patients. The issue of Prior Authorization has earned bi-partisan support and we salute the legislators who have moved Senate Bill 612 forward in the legislative process.

Take Action - Let your Senator know Prior Authorization needs reform