LANSING, MI (AP)-- Michigan has given the go-ahead for a petition drive that would limit how much hospitals can charge uninsured and underinsured patients and auto accident victims.
The Board of State Canvassers voted 4-0 Monday to approve the form of the Stop Overcharging petition.
The proposal would prohibit hospitals from charging patients more than 150 percent of the lowest amount they accept as payment in full from any payer.
If organizers of the initiative collect enough voter signatures, their bill will go to the Legislature and possibly a statewide vote.
Former state Rep. Rocky Raczkowski is spearheading the initiative and says hospital pricing practices are "discriminatory."
A coalition supporting Michigan's auto insurance law calls the petition a "cynical ploy" by insurance companies to go around legislators and interfere with the free market.
