New law Aims to Expedite Medical Treatment Approvals and Reduce Prior Authorization Delays

You may have experienced delays from insurance companies preventing you from receiving what your doctor prescribed. 

A new state law aims to expedite this process, ensuring you get the necessary care or medication more quickly. 

Marty Evans is frustrated by frequent delays in obtaining insulin pumps for his son. 

“I don’t understand why it takes so long to get approved,” Evans said. “They have to send the paperwork to the doctor, who then sends it to the insurance company for approval. My son has been using it for 10 years. So why should you need prior approval for something that is life-critical? His life depends on this.” 

This delay is due to a process called prior authorization. Rep. Sam Creekmore explains why the legislature felt the system needed reform. 

“Prior authorization has been around since the 1990s and was initially designed to be beneficial, allowing people with insurance to get pre-approved for procedures or medications,” said Rep. Creekmore. “However, over the years, insurance companies have manipulated the process to prolong approvals, thus withholding doctors’ payments and delaying patients’ treatments.” 

Breast cancer survivor Jasmine Samuel encountered similar issues when she needed new imaging before a return visit to MD Anderson in Texas. 

“For someone dealing with cancer, that is very, very scary,” Samuel said. “And it’s frustrating because time is of the essence.” 

Starting July 1, the new law imposes shorter time frames for completing prior authorizations. The Insurance Department will oversee enforcement, and the bill includes additional measures to reduce bureaucratic hurdles. 

“There will be a portal for providers to submit authorization requests to insurance companies, starting January 1, 2025,” explained Kim Causey, Mississippi Insurance Department Chief of Staff. “This will streamline the process significantly, as some authorizations are still being submitted by fax.” 

Governor Tate Reeves vetoed similar legislation last year but allowed this year’s bill to take effect without his signature, citing concerns that it could increase premiums for state employees.