To Clarify Payment For Healthcare Services Performed By Certain Outpatient Surgery Centers.
Impact
The proposed legislation directly impacts existing state laws regarding how insurance policies must compensate healthcare services delivered in outpatient surgery centers. By explicitly stating that insurers cannot pay less than ninety percent of the average reimbursement for similar hospital outpatient services, SB119 aims to standardize payment structures across different healthcare service providers. This could lead to increased accessibility to necessary surgeries and related medical procedures for patients utilizing these centers.
Summary
Senate Bill 119 aims to clarify the payment and reimbursement processes for healthcare services performed by specific outpatient surgery centers in Arkansas. The bill establishes that individuals entitled to payment or reimbursement under health insurance policies are to receive equal compensation for services rendered in licensed outpatient surgery facilities, as it does for hospitals and related facilities. This regulation seeks to ensure fairness in compensation and is intended to promote equitable treatment among various healthcare providers.
Contention
While SB119 has garnered support from some healthcare advocates who argue for fair compensation for outpatient services, it could also meet resistance due to potential implications for insurance companies. Concerns about increased costs for insurers and the subsequent impact on healthcare premiums may arise. Additionally, discussions around the bill may highlight broader issues related to healthcare funding and the financial sustainability of outpatient centers, as well as debates on market regulation within the healthcare industry.
To Require Fair And Transparent Reimbursement Rates; To Ensure Parity Of Healthcare Services; To Amend The Billing In The Best Interest Of Patients Act; And To Declare An Emergency.
Abolishing the nursing scholarship program and creating the Kansas healthcare service scholarship program to include part-time students and expand the list of eligible programs.
Provides relative to grounds and procedures for denial or revocation of Medicaid provider enrollment and eligibility for health facility licensure (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)