Email Your State Representative ASAP And Ask Them to Support House Bill 5478!
- Click here to send an email to your state representative and ask them to support House Bill 5478! Get involved today in this major effort for chargeback reform!
- Click here for a one-page explanation of House Bill 5478!
In late January, state Rep. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington, pictured) introduced House Bill 5478, MAC-developed, bipartisan legislation that would put a reasonable time limit on insurance company “chargebacks” (also known as “takebacks,” “clawbacks,” or “recoupments”), except in cases of fraud. Chargebacks occur when an insurance company demands a refund or deducts the disputed amount from future claim payments – often a long time after the care was provided and with little or no clear rationale.
Rep. VanderWall was joined by four additional co-sponsors:
HB 5478 has been assigned to the House Insurance Committee. See below for more information on this important committee.
Chargeback Reform: The Time is Now!
Unlimited chargebacks hurt patients across Michigan through restricted access to providers and services because of financial and administrative strains that harm providers’ ability to provide consistent, quality care. Michigan is currently one of only ten states that has no limits on chargebacks. The time has come for chargeback reform in Michigan.
House Bill 5478 would:
- Impose a reasonable time limit on claim re-adjudication and recoupment, except in cases of fraud
- Create clear requirements and standards insurers must follow when requesting a chargeback
Contact your state representative TODAY and ask him or her to support HB 5478.
Michigan House Insurance Committee
The Michigan House Insurance Committee often works hand-in-hand with the Health Policy Committee and deals with various issues related to insurance, including private health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, and auto insurance, among other issue areas. Leadership of the Michigan House Insurance Committee includes:
- Mike Harris (R-Waterford), Chair, 52nd District, which is located in Oakland County and includes Clarkston, Lake Angelus, Independence Township, and parts of Waterford, and Springfield Township
- Mark Tisdel (R-Rochester), Vice Chair, 55th District, which is located in Oakland County, including Rochester, Rochester Hills, and part of Oakland Charter Township
- Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac), Minority Vice Chair, 53rd District, which is located in Oakland County and includes Pontiac and parts of Auburn Hills and Waterford
The other members of the Committee are:
- Joseph Aragona R-Clinton Township), 60th District, which is located in Macomb County and includes parts of Chesterfield Township, Clinton Township, and Macomb Township
- John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming), 83rd District, located in Kent County, including parts of Wyoming, Grand Rapids, and Byron Township
- Sarah Lightner (R-Springport), 45th District, which includes parts of Jackson, Calhoun, and Kalamazoo counties
- Jerry Neyer (R-Shepherd), 92nd District, which includes all of Isabella County and parts of Gratiot County
- Bryan Posthumus (R-Rockford) (a current co-sponsor of HB 5478), 90th District, which includes parts of Kent County
- Bill Schuette (R-Midland), 95th District, which includes all of Midland County and parts of Bay and Gladwin counties
- Joe Tate (D-Detroit), 9th District, including parts of Detroit
- Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit), 4th District, including parts of Detroit
Why Is This Committee Critical to House Bill 5478’s Success?
After a bill is introduced, it is assigned to a committee for review and evaluation. The committee chair then decides if there will be a public hearing on the bill. At this hearing, the bill sponsor, interested parties on both sides of the issue, and the public have a chance to make their thoughts known and urge passage, rejection, or to suggest changes.
The committee can then take a variety of actions, including:
- Report the bill (or an amended / substituted version of the bill) with a favorable recommendation.
- Take no action. Generally, this occurs when there is not enough support in the committee to move the bill.
A majority vote of the members serving on the committee is needed to report a bill. Once reported, the bill moves to the full House for consideration.
In order to pass the Michigan House of Representatives, it is critical that House Bill 5478 has the support of these legislators.
If you live or practice in the district of one of these important lawmakers, you can make a difference by contacting them today and asking him or her to support House Bill 5478!
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