09/24/2026

Advocacy in Action: OHOS Joins Commemorative Signing of SB 162

On Monday, September 14, OHOS Executive Director Michelle Weiss joined healthcare leaders at the Ohio Statehouse for a commemorative signing of Senate Bill 162, celebrating the passage of important reforms to Ohio's health insurer takeback laws.

Governor Mike DeWine officially signed SB 162 into law on July 8. The law, which takes effect October 7, 2026, generally reduces the period during which health insurers may audit paid claims and seek recoupment from two years to one year and extends the provider appeal period for recoupment requests from 30 to 60 days.

The Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA) was a key leader in advancing SB 162, advocating for reform throughout the legislative process. OSMA described the legislation as a significant advocacy victory for Ohio physicians, aimed at reducing the administrative and financial burden associated with insurer takebacks.

OHOS was proud to support that effort and ensure that the experiences of Ohio's oncology practices were part of the discussion. OHOS provided proponent testimony before the Senate Financial Institutions, Insurance and Technology Committee, and our oncology community responded when asked to help: nine OHOS member organizations provided written testimony in support of SB 162. The official committee record documents OHOS's proponent testimony during the legislative process.

Those voices mattered. By sharing real-world examples of the impact that delayed insurance takebacks can have on oncology practices, OHOS members helped lawmakers understand why greater certainty and a more reasonable timeframe are important to healthcare providers.

The commemorative signing was an opportunity to recognize the many organizations and individuals who worked together to move this legislation forward. OHOS extends its appreciation to OSMA for its leadership, to the legislators who worked on SB 162, and especially to our member practices that took the time to provide testimony and make the oncology community's voice heard.

SB 162 takes effect October 7, 2026. OHOS encourages oncology practices to make sure their revenue cycle and billing teams are aware of the new takeback and appeal timeframes.

This is advocacy in action — organizations working together, providers sharing their experiences, and Ohio's healthcare community speaking with a strong collective voice.

PHOTO: OHOS Executive Director Michelle Weiss joined healthcare leaders at the Ohio Statehouse on September 14 for the commemorative signing of Senate Bill 162. Pictured at far right are OHOS Executive Director Michelle Weiss, OHOS lobbyist Matt Whitehead of Governmental Policy Group (GPG), and Sydney Sanders of GPG.