MSSNY Joins with Patient Advocates to Reduce Prior Authorizations Burdens
MSSNY organized meetings with several key legislators this past week to urge passage of prior authorization reform measures this year, including A.7268 (Weprin)/S.3400 (Breslin) and A859-A(McDonald)/S.2680-A (Breslin). Joining MSSNY in these meetings were representatives from the NY State Psychiatric Association, the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, the New York State Association of Family Physicians and patient advocates from the NY State Bleeding Disorders Coalition.
A.7268/S.3400 would make significant progress toward remedying the harm caused by prior authorization by requiring that health plan utilization review criteria be evidence-based, and peer reviewed, reducing the insurer timeframe for reviewing prior authorization requests and limiting when an insurer can withdraw or repeat a previously granted prior authorization. S.859-A/S.2680-A would enact a “gold card” program to exempt physicians from prior authorization requirements if they have exemplary records for receiving prior authorization
Health insurers frequently impose overwhelming prior authorization burdens that cause unnecessary delays in needed care for patients. Delay in authorization of prescriptions, tests, or procedures can cause needless anxiety for patients already stressed by the uncertainty regarding their condition. Moreover, a recent survey of physicians by the American Medical Association (AMA) reported that 94% of responding physicians said that the prior authorization process delayed patient access to necessary care and nearly 90% of the respondents indicated that prior authorization led to somewhat, or significant, negative outcomes.
Not surprisingly these measures are being vociferously opposed by the health insurance industry. Therefore, your grassroots action is essential. Please contact your Assemblymembers and Senators through MSSNY’s Grassroots Action Center (GAC) urge passage of prior authorization reform legislation this year! We will update members as the bill progresses over the next three weeks.
(CARY)
