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MontanaHB 54469th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Generally revise health insurance laws relating to health utilization review

Sponsored By: Ed Buttrey (Republican)

Became Law

HealthInsurance

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Easier access to biologic drugs for kids

Starting January 1, 2026, a doctor can prescribe an adult FDA‑approved biologic off‑label for a patient under 18. It must be medically needed, covered by the plan, and backed by at least two peer‑reviewed studies for that age group (birth–2, 2–12, 12–18). The prior authorization request must include medical records and the studies. The reviewer must approve or deny within the law’s time limits.

No takebacks on approved care

If your plan approved care that needed prior authorization, the plan cannot cancel that approval after you get the care. Exceptions are fraud, lying, not paying premiums, using up benefits, not being covered then, or getting a different service unless it was necessary and incidental. State employee and Montana university health plans must follow these rules and also follow the biologic‑therapy rules for minors. These protections start January 1, 2026.

When these new health rules apply

The law takes effect on January 1, 2026. Any health insurance policy issued or renewed on or after that date must follow these new review and coverage rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Ed Buttrey

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Jeremy Trebas

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 267 • No: 25

House vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 48 • No: 0

House vote • 4/9/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 46 • No: 0

House vote • 3/4/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 88 • No: 11

House vote • 3/3/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 85 • No: 14

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/5/2025House

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/1/2025House

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    4/22/2025House

  4. Signed by President

    4/22/2025Senate

  5. Signed by Speaker

    4/18/2025House

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/11/2025House

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/10/2025House

  8. 3rd Reading Concurred

    4/10/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading Concurred

    4/9/2025Senate

  10. Committee Report--Bill Concurred

    3/25/2025Senate

  11. Committee Executive Action--Bill Concurred

    3/25/2025Senate

  12. Hearing

    3/19/2025Senate

  13. Referred to Committee

    3/5/2025Senate

  14. Transmitted to Senate

    3/4/2025House

  15. 3rd Reading Passed

    3/4/2025House

  16. 2nd Reading Passed

    3/3/2025House

  17. Committee Report--Bill Passed

    2/24/2025House

  18. Fiscal Note Printed

    2/24/2025House

  19. Fiscal Note Signed

    2/24/2025House

  20. Fiscal Note Received

    2/24/2025House

  21. Committee Executive Action--Bill Passed

    2/24/2025House

  22. Hearing

    2/20/2025House

  23. First Reading

    2/19/2025House

  24. Referred to Committee

    2/19/2025House

  25. Fiscal Note Requested

    2/18/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/15/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    2/18/2025

    PDF

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