Montana lawmakers weigh bills to restrict prior authorization, extend approvals and protect discharge medications

Helena — A trio of bills (Senate Bills 447, 449 and 446) proposing limits on health‑plan prior authorization won wide backing from physicians, hospitals and patient advocates at a Senate Business and Labor Committee hearing, while insurers urged the committee to advance negotiated compromise language instead of adopting the sponsors’ broader measures.

Sen. Ricky (sponsor of SB 447 and related bills) told the committee the bills aim to curb delays in care caused by expanded prior authorization practices. Key provisions across the package include extending many prior‑authorization approvals to 12 months, exempting a set of low‑cost generic drugs and time‑sensitive medicines (insulin, inhalers) from prior authorization, and requiring continuity of care when a member changes plans so previously‑authorized treatment continues for a transitional period.