Madison… Today, Rep. Jon Plumer (R-Lodi) joined State Representative John Nygren (R-Marinette) at a press conference to announce a partnership to expand access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Access to MAT will be expanded across Wisconsin health plans through the elimination of prior authorization requirements in most cases. Prior authorization is the requirement that a doctor obtains approval from a health insurance plan before prescribing a treatment plan or prescription.

 

Major health insurance companies in Wisconsin have agreed to remove prior authorization requirements for most substance use disorder treatments. This expansion of access will allow individuals suffering from substance abuse disorder to get treatment faster, easier, and at a lower cost. This reform, along with the package of bills voted on today during the State Assembly Floor Session, is a part of a larger effort called the HOPE agenda.

 

Rep. Plumer released the following statement:

 

“It has been an honor to work alongside Representative Nygren and others to protect our state’s citizens against substance abuse in our communities. As chair of the Assembly Committee on Substance Abuse and Prevention, I have had the opportunity to do a deep dive and learn about the epidemic that our state is facing and I believe that this reform is a step in the right direction. I am looking forward to seeing the great impact that this partnership to expand access to addiction treatment is going to have in communities and lives throughout Wisconsin. Thank you so much to the health plans who have made this change – I truly believe this partnership will save lives.”

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