10/15/2026
OSMA Joins Governor DeWine for Ceremonial Signing of SB 162
OSMA joined Governor Mike DeWine and fellow physician advocates for the ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 162, celebrating the passage of insurer takeback reform for which OSMA led a coalition of support through the legislative process.
This legislation addresses a longstanding source of financial uncertainty for medical practices. Previously, insurers could recoup payments up to two years after paying a claim, leaving practices scrambling to revisit old claims, gather documentation for potential appeals, and account for unexpected losses in revenue.
SB 162, signed into law July 8 and effective October 7, makes three key changes:
- Generally reduces the insurer takeback window from two years to one year after payment, with an exception for provider fraud.
- Extends the provider response period from 30 to 60 days, giving practices more time to challenge an overpayment determination.
- Requires electronic notices when the payer and provider use an agreed-upon established electronic notification system.
“By establishing a reasonable and predictable timeframe for insurers to review and reconsider payments, reducing that window from two years to one and adding other protections, this legislation provides much-needed financial certainty for physician practices,” said OSMA President Gary Katz, MD, who attended the ceremonial signing. “That stability allows physicians to plan responsibly, invest in their practices, and focus their resources where they belong—caring for patients.”
OSMA’s Work Behind the Law
Insurer takeback reform was one of a series of insurance reform priorities on OSMA’s legislative advocacy agenda. OSMA worked closely with lawmakers and physician advocates throughout the legislative process to help secure passage.
OSMA Vice President of Advocacy Monica Hueckel and physician members Dr. John Bastulli and Dr. Marc Antonchak provided proponent testimony, with Dr. Antonchak also representing the Ohio Association of Rheumatology. Their testimonies explained how takebacks affect medical practices and why reform was needed.
Sponsored by Senator Bill Blessing, SB 162 passed both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly unanimously.
OSMA thanks Governor DeWine, Senator Blessing, Senator Beth Liston, the Ohio General Assembly, and the physician members and partner organizations who helped make this reform possible.