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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)

Signed by Governor

HealthInsurance

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Insurers can’t take back approved care

When your plan requires prior approval and you get it, the insurer must honor it after you receive the service. They cannot take back that approval after care. Exceptions are fraud or misrepresentation, nonpayment of premium, benefits already used up, you were not covered at the time, or the service was different and not necessary and incidental.

Faster approval for minors’ biologic drugs

Doctors can prescribe some biologic drugs for people under 18 when all conditions are met. The drug must be FDA-approved for adults, medically necessary, covered by the plan, and supported by at least two peer‑reviewed journals showing safe, effective use across infancy (birth–2), childhood (2–12), and adolescence (12–18). The insurer’s reviewer must decide within state timelines after getting the request, medical records, and the articles. This helps families get quicker answers and access when criteria are met.

New plan rules start January 2026

Beginning January 1, 2026, the law applies to health plans issued or renewed on or after that date. If your current policy is still in force, the old rules apply until your renewal. After renewal, the new coverage and prior‑authorization protections apply to your plan.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Ed Buttrey

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Jeremy Trebas

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 269 • No: 25

Senate vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 48 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/9/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 48 • 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

    4/10/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading

    4/9/2025Senate

  10. Committee Report

    3/25/2025Senate

  11. Committee Executive Action

    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

    3/4/2025House

  16. 2nd Reading

    3/3/2025House

  17. Committee Report

    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

    2/24/2025House

  22. Hearing

    2/20/2025House

  23. 1st 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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