Contact your state legislators and urge them to support SB 165, which would strengthen Ohio’s prudent layperson standard and protect patients from unexpected medical bills as a result of automatic downcoding.

IMPORTANT: Please consider personalizing the “Message Body” on the right side of your screen before sending your message.  Lawmakers are inundated with emails, and personalized messages are recognized and have the most impact. Consider including an original message on why this issue is important to you as a constituent and to your patients.

About SB 165

This legislation would:

• Ban health insurers from using automated downcoding to reclassify medical claims at a lower level than the care actually provided
• Require insurers to pay fairly for longer patient visits, so physicians are not penalized for spending the time needed on complex or multiple conditions
• Strengthen Ohio’s prudent layperson standard so insurers cannot deny emergency care coverage after the fact if a reasonable person believed an emergency was happening
• Protect patients from unexpected medical bills by ensuring emergency care is covered based on symptoms at the time, not how an insurer labels it later

What can you do?

CSRO supports members’ efforts to make their voices heard by contacting state legislators on issues that will improve rheumatology and patient access to care. “Compose Your Message” on the right side of your screen by adding personal details or stories.  Personalized messages drive home your position by making this issue relatable to individuals who may not understand your medical practice.