RALEIGH — On Tuesday, January 28, the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) held a press conference at its Raleigh headquarters to support a growing coalition of lawmakers dedicated to reforming the state’s prior authorization process. The NCMS is fully committed to driving meaningful change during the 2025 legislative long session.

The event featured Amanda Watson as a guest speaker. Watson shared her powerful story of battling cancer and the immense challenges she encountered due to prior authorization hurdles. She was joined by her husband, two children, and mother as she passionately recounted how unnecessary delays from health insurance companies caused her substantial pain and anguish. She also recounted the toll those delays in care took on her young family.

“Throughout my treatment,” Watson stated, “we have been flabbergasted by the number of times necessary treatments or medications have been denied by our insurance. When fighting an aggressive form of cancer, the last thing you need is being told your insurance won’t approve lifesaving treatment. It is the ultimate feeling of betrayal and hopelessness.”

Dr. John Meier, President of the North Carolina Medical Society, also addressed the press. “As a physician, I cannot sit idly by while my patients die or suffer unnecessary delays. We don’t have time to let the health of more North Carolinians be impacted by these predatory prior authorization practices. The time for reform is now,” he declared.

The event drew a bipartisan group of North Carolina legislators, united in their support for reform. Attendees included Rep. Allen Buansi (D-Dist. 56), Rep. Grant Campbell, MD (R- Dist. 83), Rep. Maria Cervania (D-Dist. 41), Rep. Allen Chesser (R-Dist. 25), Sen. Mark Hollo (R-Dist. 45), Rep. Timothy Reeder, MD (R-Dist. 9), and Rep. Donna White (R-Dist. 26). Each lawmaker expressed their commitment to addressing this critical issue.

For those who missed the event, a re-play is available on Facebook Live here.

Special thanks to the Watson family for courageously sharing their story, and to the many news outlets that covered this vital issue, including NC Insider, The Associated Press, WRAL, UNC, NC News Network, WPTF Radio, and Curtis Media Group.

Together, we are working toward a future where no one has to endure unnecessary suffering due to broken processes in healthcare.

Lend your voice to this important fight by signing the Prior Authorization petition here.