Health insurance companies in Arizona will soon be required to have a licensed physician review any denial of medically necessary care. This development comes after the signing of a new law, HB2175, which was sponsored by House Majority Whip Julie Willoughby. The legislation received strong bipartisan support in both chambers.
The law mandates that an Arizona-licensed medical director must personally review denials related to medical necessity, whether for claims or prior authorizations. The review must involve independent medical judgment and cannot rely solely on algorithms or automated systems.
“This law ensures that a doctor, not a computer, is making medical decisions,” said Majority Whip Willoughby. “If care is denied, it should be by someone with the training and ethical duty to put patients first. That decision must come from a licensed physician, not an anonymous program.”
HB2175 will take effect on July 1, 2026, allowing insurers time to comply with the new requirements. The legislation addresses concerns about insurers using artificial intelligence and algorithm-based tools for coverage decisions without physician oversight.
The policy aligns with the House Republican Majority Plan’s objective of protecting individual rights and ensuring accountability in systems impacting Arizona families. By raising standards for care decisions, the law aims to prevent wrongful denials and enhance transparency in healthcare.
“Arizona families deserve real oversight when it comes to life-changing medical decisions,” Majority Whip Willoughby added. “This law puts patients ahead of profits and restores a layer of accountability that’s long overdue.”
Julie Willoughby represents Legislative District 13 in Chandler, Gilbert, and Sun Lakes as a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives. She also serves as the House Majority Whip.
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