LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. John Damoose on Thursday voted to approve legislation that would update the 2019 auto no-fault reforms and ensure more Michigan drivers get the care they need and were promised.
“The original changes made in the 2019 reform were massive overhauls, and now that more time has passed, we’re starting to see some downfalls and unintended consequences that need to be addressed,” said Damoose, R-Harbor Springs.
Damoose joined a group of bipartisan lawmakers to introduce changes to the law that would ensure the level of care promised to Michiganders was maintained.
Senate Bills 530 and 531 build off of the July 2023 Michigan Supreme Court Andary ruling which stated that the cost controls in the 2019 reform did not apply to those who were injured in accidents prior to the new law being signed. The ruling ensured those who received care prior to the 2019 changes would continue to receive that level of care.
The bills also establish new fee structures and seek to further improve access to care for those injured in automobile accidents.
“The reform left thousands of catastrophically injured people with drastic cutbacks in care,” Damoose said. “The state of Michigan made a promise to these individuals, but the coverage they paid for was pulled out from under them. I’m glad to see the Legislature addressing the issues and concerns outlined in the Andary case and moving to remedy the terrible situation that so many accident survivors were forced into by the original 2019 reform.”
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