All Roll Calls
Yes: 398 • No: 0
MontanaSB 44969th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET
Generally revise health utilization review laws
Sponsored By: Vince Ricci (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Health Care ServicesInsurance
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Faster approval for hospital discharge meds
A prescription written at hospital discharge is approved right away for at least 3 days. The doctor must mark it as a discharge prescription, and the drug must cost $5,000 or less per day. After 3 days, normal prior authorization rules apply.
Keep prior approvals when you switch plans
When you change health plans, your new insurer honors a prior authorization from your old plan for at least 90 days if you or your provider share proof. During those 90 days, the new insurer can review the request again under your plan terms. If your plan’s rules change later, a prior authorization you already have stays valid for the rest of your plan year. If you move to a different product from the same insurer, the insurer keeps honoring a past certification as long as the service is still covered.
No repeat step therapy if failed
If you already tried the required drug or a similar drug and stopped it for medical reasons, your insurer cannot make you repeat step therapy. Your prescriber must provide records and a medical reason on request, including proof you completed the earlier steps.
No take-backs on approved services
If a prior authorization was required and approved, the insurer cannot rescind it after you receive the service. Exceptions are fraud, misrepresentation, unpaid premiums, running out of benefits, or if you were not covered when you got the service.
Policy exclusions still not covered
The law does not make plans cover services your policy fully excludes, even if the care is medically necessary. You may still owe the full cost for excluded services.
Some parts can be voided by other laws
The law sets coordination rules with other bills. If House Bill 544 is also enacted, the no-take-backs rule for approved services is void. If House Bill 398 is also enacted, the 90‑day continuity rule for prior authorizations is void.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Vince Ricci
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Bob Carter
Democrat • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/15/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 50 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/14/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 50 • No: 0
House vote • 4/11/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 99 • No: 0
House vote • 4/11/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 100 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/6/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 49 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/6/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 50 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Chapter Number Assigned
5/13/2025SenateSigned by Governor
5/8/2025SenateTransmitted to Governor
5/1/2025SenateSigned by Speaker
5/1/2025HouseSigned by President
4/22/2025SenateReturned from Enrolling
4/16/2025SenateSent to Enrolling
4/15/2025Senate3rd Reading House Amendments
4/15/2025Senate2nd Reading House Amendments
4/14/2025SenateReturned to Senate with Amendments
4/11/2025House3rd Reading
4/11/2025House2nd Reading
4/11/2025HouseCommittee Report
4/9/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action
4/9/2025HouseHearing
4/8/2025HouseHearing
4/3/2025HouseHearing Canceled
4/3/2025HouseHearing
4/2/2025HouseHearing
3/31/2025House1st Reading
3/17/2025HouseReferred to Committee
3/17/2025HouseTransmitted to House
3/7/2025Senate3rd Reading
3/6/2025Senate2nd Reading
3/6/2025SenateCommittee Report
3/1/2025Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled
4/15/2025
As Amended (Version 2)
4/9/2025
Introduced
2/24/2025
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