On January 22, the Senate Committee on Insurance voted unanimously to advance Senate Bill 373, which places limits on insurance companies requiring prior authorization for certain services. Specifically, the bill allows 12 patient visits for physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and chiropractic services – without requiring prior authorization. In addition, it limits the timeframe for subsequent insurance reauthorization to three business days.

As home health agencies provide physical, occupational, and speech therapy to patients, this bill would have a positive impact on agencies and their patients, if it is enacted. During this committee’s hearing on this legislation last October, WiAHC submitted testimony noting our organization’s appreciation for this legislation. However, the testimony also requested that the legislation’s authors add home-based skilled nursing care to this legislation. In addition, WiAHC’s Madison lobbyists advocated for this addition to the bill. Unfortunately, however, the bill’s authors declined to amend their legislation to make this inclusion.