This week in Lansing saw attention to several important health policy issues. Time is running short to advance legislation before the summer recess. Organizations and legislators looking to make progress on their priorities must remain laser-focused.
The House Health Policy Committee took testimony on House Bill 5681, which would update the maximum amounts that can be charged for copies of medical records and makes sure those amounts also apply to electronic copies. Because the current law was written before electronic medical records were standard, having this updated in the statute is welcome. MSMS supports the bill and will continue to monitor its progress.
In the same Committee, testimony was also given on House Bill 5903, which would allow psychiatric hospitals to temporarily use licensed inpatient psychiatric beds for either adults or minors in order to meet patient care needs. MSMS will continue to monitor the bill. No vote was taken on either HB 5681 or HB 5903.
The full House approved House Bill 4839, which would require Medicaid coverage to default to the lower-cost generic or biosimilar option for prescriptions. Importantly, physicians would still be able to specify to “dispense as written,” when they deem it medically necessary. The bill will now be transmitted to the Senate where it will await further action.
The Senate Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection Committee took testimony on Senate Bill 914, which would require all prescription drug payments made by patients to count toward their deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. Nonie Arora, MD, testified in support of the bill on behalf of MSMS, saying:
“Patients should not be penalized because they relied on assistance to afford treatment their physician prescribed. From a medical standpoint, continuity of care matters. Patients do better when they can stay on the therapies that are working for them. Policies that disrupt access ultimately lead to worse health outcomes and higher downstream costs.”
The Michigan Association of Health Plans and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan are opposed to the bill. So far, only testimony was taken. MSMS will continue to educate legislative members on the importance of this legislation to health care access, affordability, and continuity of care for patients.
Should you have any questions about these or other issues, please contact Kate Dorsey, MSMS Director of Government Relations, at kdorsey@msms.org.