I recently filed Senate Bill 298 to ensure that patients receive timely approval for treatment covered through their insurance policy. This bill reforms the preauthorization process for approval of services such as procedures, surgeries, therapies (physical and rehabilitative), imaging (x-ray, MRI or CT scans), prescriptions and referrals, etc. I believe this bill will directly and critically affect the delivery of health care for insured Missourians. Most citizens are unaware of or do not understand the burden that the current preauthorization process places on health care providers and its impact on their ability to provide timely care.
SB 298 creates a standardized form, not only for insurance products within a company, but also across insurance companies. This eliminates delays due to confusion caused by multiple preauthorization forms. As of right now, if a person needs treatment, it could take up to two weeks or more for insurance companies to authorize the patient to be treated based on recommendations from their health care provider. Many man hours are spent on getting a response, then going through the appeal and finally arranging physician peer review to get approval.
When a patient’s medical condition requires more immediate care, they should be able to have access to care within a reasonable amount of time. Under the current law, once the health care provider requests permission, the insurance company can make a decision to approve or deny treatment within 36 hours. In order to hasten this process for patients, this proposal would shorten that time period to 24 hours. After a determination of approval or denial is made by the insurance company, they must immediately notify the healthcare provider of the decision.
In addition, SB 298 would require insurance companies to provide written notice to patients whose treatment has been denied. It also requires the insurance company’s website or online portal to provide the patient with information about the appeal process.
I believe all Missourians should be fully aware of the impact that their health insurance company’s procedures have on their medical treatment.
SENATE REACHES COMPROMISE ON LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDITS
After hours of debate, the Senate reached a compromise position on Senate Bill 28, a proposal that reforms and reinstates Missouri’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit. The program provides incentives to build affordable, accessible housing for seniors, working families and people with disabilities. The tax credit currently has no cap, but this legislation limits the cap to 72.5 percent of the federal share available to Missouri. This change is estimated to save hundreds of millions of dollars that could be applied to other state spending priorities.
