Dr. Drew Pinsky, host of “Ask Dr. Drew,” has highlighted significant insights from the recent chronic disease report released by the MAHA Commission on “The Ingraham Angle.” One of the key topics of concern is the practice of health insurance companies unfairly denying claims through automated systems.
In response, Arizona has enacted a new law that prohibits this practice, ensuring that medical decisions are made by qualified physicians rather than computers. Sponsored by Republican House Majority Whip Rep. Julie Willoughby, House Bill 2175 was recently signed into law by Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs.
The legislation mandates that a licensed physician must perform an individual review of claims denials using independent medical judgment. This process applies not only to rejected claims but also to prior authorization requests for services that involve medical necessity.
According to Willoughby, the intent of the law is clear: critical health decisions should rest with trained professionals, not impersonal algorithms. The law is set to take effect in July 2026, providing insurers adequate time to adjust to these forthcoming changes.
Willoughby emphasized that this measure aims to prioritize patients’ needs over profit motives, reinstating a much-needed level of accountability within the healthcare system. The bill received almost unanimous support from both legislative chambers, reflecting a growing concern over claims data showing healthcare companies like Cigna and United Healthcare using automated systems to deny claims.
Additionally, similar regulations have been enacted in California, which also emphasize the necessity for physicians to retain control over health-related decisions, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly prevalent in healthcare settings. Both legislators in Arizona and California are advocating for a medical landscape where human judgment reigns supreme, ensuring that individualized patient care takes precedence.
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