Mississippi Senate Bill SB2538

Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/24
• Refer: 2/16/24
• Failed: 3/5/24

Caption

Health insurance billing; exempt dental services from certain balanced billing requirements.

Impact

The enactment of SB2538 would significantly influence state laws governing health insurance policies, particularly those pertaining to the payment responsibilities of insurers toward dental providers. By exempting dental services from balance billing requirements, this bill provides a tailored approach to health insurance that acknowledges the unique nature of dental care. It aims to simplify the billing process for dental services, potentially leading to better patient experiences and more predictable costs for consumers seeking dental treatment.

Summary

Senate Bill 2538 aims to amend Section 83-9-5 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to exempt dental services from certain balance billing requirements imposed on health care providers and health insurers. The proposed legislation focuses specifically on how insurance providers handle billing procedures when dental services are provided, thereby addressing concerns about the financial responsibilities placed on patients when unexpected billing occurs. This shift is expected to protect consumers from balance billing practices that may lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses for dental care.

Contention

Notably, the bill could face opposition regarding the balance it seeks to achieve between protecting consumers and ensuring that dental providers are fairly compensated. Some stakeholders in the health care community may express concerns about how exempting dental services from balance billing requirements could financially affect insurers and lead to increased premiums for consumers citing potential revenue losses for dental practices. Advocates for the bill argue that this change would promote transparency in pricing and improve access to dental care without compromising the financial model of health insurance.