The high cost of healthcare has consistently been a top concern for Wisconsin businesses, especially as the state’s costs remain an outlier compared to other states.
WMC’s Rachel Ver Velde submitted testimony against legislation, AB 368, that would remove an insurer’s ability to require prior authorization for the first 12 visits for physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy or chiropractic services. It also prohibits the insurer from requiring prior authorization in the first 90 days of treatment for chronic pain. Ver Velde stated that that this policy will only serve to further increase health care costs for employers.
WMC argues that by removing an insurer’s ability to require prior authorization in these situations, this legislation turns a blind eye to bad actors over prescribing imaging and utilizing unnecessary visits. Employers can’t afford this legislation.
