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Montana bill to ease prior‑authorization delays wins broad provider support; insurers took neutral role
Summary
Representative Jonathan Karlen said HB 398 would require continuity of prior authorizations when patients change plans, expand authorization durations, and insist on peer‑to‑peer reviews for denials. Physicians, hospitals and patient advocates urged passage; insurers participated in negotiations and Blue Cross Blue Shield testified as a neutral collaborator.
Representative Jonathan Karlen presented House Bill 398 as a targeted effort to reduce interruptions in care caused by prior‑authorization processes. Key provisions described by the sponsor include honoring an existing prior authorization for a transition period when a patient changes insurance plans (initially 90 days), extending standard prior‑authorization validity to six months and to 12 months for defined chronic conditions, and requiring peer‑to‑peer clinical review by a reviewer with relevant specialty when a…
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