Gov. Phil Scott signs bill limiting prior authorization and health insurer practices - VTDigger

Gov. Phil Scott signs bill to reduce paperwork for healthcare practitioners, improve patient care outcomes, despite warnings from insurance companies.

Lawmakers are optimistic that the passing of H.766 will help alleviate the burden of paperwork on doctors and nurses, ultimately leading to improved care outcomes for patients. However, insurance companies have expressed concerns that this legislation could result in increased premiums for consumers.

Governor Phil Scott signed the bill into law on Monday evening, highlighting its focus on addressing health insurance company practices like "prior authorization" that add unnecessary paperwork for healthcare practitioners. The goal of the bill is to enhance the overall health care outcomes for Vermonters by enhancing access to essential health care services.

In addition to signing the bill, Governor Scott has directed the state's Agency of Human Services and Department of Financial Regulation to conduct a study on the impact of the legislation on costs and care outcomes. This study will explore similar laws in other states and seek to implement successful strategies in Vermont.

H.766 aims to simplify interactions between healthcare providers and insurance companies by setting time limits for prior authorization requests and eliminating the need for primary care providers to seek approval for most services. The bill also restricts insurers from denying coverage for prescribed medications and requires coverage for certain asthma medications without prior authorization.

Furthermore, the legislation tightens regulations around insurance claims submitted by clinicians, making it more challenging for insurers to reject bills for services provided by doctors and nurses. The ultimate goal is to enhance access to care for Vermonters, reduce paperwork for healthcare professionals, and address the workforce shortages in primary care.

Advocates, such as Jessa Barnard from the Vermont Medical Society, are optimistic about the positive impact of the bill on patient care. However, insurers like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont have raised concerns about potential premium increases as a result of the legislation.

Despite the warnings from insurers, Governor Scott believes that reducing barriers to care will ultimately save time and money in the long run. The bill is set to take effect in January 2025, with ongoing monitoring and analysis to assess its impact on healthcare costs and outcomes in Vermont. Overall, the goal of H.766 is to enhance access to care, streamline processes, and improve health care outcomes for all Vermonters.

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