Legislative updates | March 2022

MARCH 17 UPDATE: Senate Bill 247

PREAUTHORIZATION: The panel did unanimously report one bill, SB 247 (link), which would require health insurers and their utilization review entities to make available and begin using an internet-based process for benefit preauthorization by January 1, 2023.

Physicians for years have urged changes to the preauthorization process, but insurers have succeeded in blocking them, saying the preauthorization process is a vital way to hold down costs. Physicians, however, have called the process burdensome and often a hurdle to care.

The bill represents something of a compromise. It does not alter the preauthorization process like previous bills but instead is designed to make the process easier to use.