Future of MIDOCS Uncertain Amidst Ongoing State Budget Talks

Funding for MIDOCS and rural hospitals in the state's Fiscal Year 2019-2020 budget hang in the balance, as negotiations between Governor Gretchen Whitmer and legislative leadership are put in hold for the hunting and Thanksgiving break. Central to the debate is the Governor's constitutional authority to shift money from one program to another using the State Administrative Board. MAFP continues to advocate for restoration of funding for the MIDOCS program and rural hospitals.

more »

Proposed Legislation Governing Emotional Support Animals Receives House, Senate Panel Hearings

Legislation has been introduced in the Michigan House and Senate that would require certain criteria be met prior to a physician recommending an emotional support animal for a patient. With a shortage of behavioral health professionals in the state, MAFP members have shared they are receiving an increase in the number of patient requests for the recommendations of an emotional support animal. MAFP opposes these bills as written, because of the potential burdens they could place on family physicians.

more »

Contact Your State Lawmakers to Urge Support for Prior Authorization Reform Legislation

Please contact your state lawmakers to urge them to support Senate Bill 612, a new bill recently introduced in the Michigan Senate that calls for adding transparency, fairness, and clinical validity requirements to the prior authorization and step therapy process. The goal is to ensure patients receive timely coverage decisions and the care, treatment, and medications they need, when they need them, as determined medically-necessary by their physician. 

more »

Physicians and Patients Advocate for Prior Authorization Reform on Health Can't Wait Action Day

Health Can't Wait Action Day in downtown Lansing on October 30 provided a forum for patients, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to share real-life examples of how the current inefficient prior authorization process is adversely impacting health outcomes, and to advocate for reform. According to a 2018 American Medical Association survey, 91% of physician respondents reported care delays associated with prior authorization, 75% said it can lead to treatment abandonment, and 28% acknowledged that prior authorization has led to serious adverse event for a patient in their care.

more »