News & Media
SB 247 Passed Both House and Senate for Prior Authorization Reform
More than three years ago, physicians, patients and other health professionals and advocacy associations joined together to create Health Can’t Wait. This coalition was formed to develop and enact into law legislation that would put Michigan patients first and end delayed access to vital health care services. Throughout this time, MSMS physicians and our coalition partners shared countless stories of the ways prior authorization caused unnecessary and costly care delays and interfered in medical decision-making. We are happy to report that after years of hard work your voices have been heard!
MSMS and the Health Can’t Wait coalition are pleased to announce on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, the Michigan House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 247 with overwhelming support (103 yes votes and 2 no votes). Senate Bill 247 reforms the prior authorization process by reducing wait times and streamlining how physician offices and payers interact, all with a goal of reducing endless paperwork and ultimately improving access to care for patients.
“Michigan patients are now one small step away from receiving the timely care and treatment they deserve thanks to the House’s passage of SB 247—legislation that puts an end to dangerous and devastating delays in health care delivery by reforming the prior authorization processes used by insurance companies", said MSMS President Pino Colone, MD. "We applaud the House for recognizing the need for reform and the tremendous amount of good this bill will do for Michigan’s patients. With SB 247 now headed back to the Senate for additional consideration, we are excited to do everything that we can to see that this critical legislation is signed into law.”