 The establishment of a prior authorization exemption program is the KMA’s primary legislative focus for the 2024 session, and several developments are bringing that goal one step closer. Last week, Rep. Kim Moser introduced HB 317, which would aim to establish a prior authorization exemption program, automatically waiving requirements if a physician has a 90% approval history for a specific procedure or service.
Following the filing of HB317, Louisville Courier Journal Opinion Editor Bonnie Jean Feldkamp published an op-ed in the paper describing her excruciating experience with the prior authorization process and calling for reform. The intro to the piece was featured on a full page spread in the editorial section on Sunday, Jan. 28. A full PDF version is available here. Citing many of the statistics KMA has been sharing with members and legislators about the detrimental effects of the process, Feldkamp concluded, “I want my rheumatologist to focus on my care and I want uninterrupted access to the maintenance medications I need to sustain my quality of life. I should not be subject to unnecessary flares in my disease while waiting for prior authorization, just to appease the pocketbook of insurance companies.” The op-ed also mentioned that Rep. Moser’s bill has the support of 10 other state-based physician groups, including the KMA, and linked to the op-ed KMA and those specialty societies published in the Courier Journal and other statewide papers on Jan. 10. That piece is available here with a PDF version available for download here. KMA will be advocating for the passage of HB317 this session, but your advocacy is essential to its successful passage. KMA has created a handout featuring both pieces to share and encourage you to contact your representative and urge them to support and co-sponsor HB 317. Visit reformpriorauth.org for resources to help you communicate the impact of prior authorizations on your patients and practice. | 
