Texas Senate Bill SB1991

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to claims processes and reimbursement for, and overpayment recoupment processes imposed on, health care providers under Medicaid.

Impact

The bill is expected to improve the way overpayments are handled, mandating that managed care organizations provide timely notice to healthcare providers before initiating recoupment actions. This measure includes allowing providers a 60-day window to correct any claim defects prior to recovery attempts. By standardizing the rules around audits and recoupments, SB1991 aims to mitigate the administrative burdens faced by healthcare providers, ultimately promoting a more efficient Medicaid system.

Summary

SB1991, also known as the Medicaid Provider Fairness Act, aims to amend processes related to claims and reimbursement for healthcare providers under Medicaid. The bill specifically addresses the management of electronic visit verification systems utilized by those providers and establishes clearer guidelines for how managed care organizations should handle overpayments made to these providers. It seeks to enhance transparency and streamline the claims process, making it easier for healthcare providers to navigate the requirements of Medicaid operations while ensuring compliance with necessary regulations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1991 is largely supportive among healthcare providers, who see it as a necessary reform that promotes fairness and transparency in Medicaid reimbursements. Proponents argue that the bill addresses significant pain points that previously led to confusion and frustration within the healthcare community. However, there may also be concerns from managed care organizations about the potential increased administrative overhead and challenges in complying with the new regulations, reflecting a range of perspectives on its implementation.

Contention

A notable point of contention related to SB1991 is the balance between sufficient oversight of Medicaid reimbursements and easing the operational burdens on providers. The requirement that managed care organizations provide extensive notice and opportunities for rectification before recovering claims could be seen as overly complicating the recoupment process for insurers while providing necessary assurances to providers. Moreover, the bill allows for the use of proprietary electronic visit verification systems, which could raise discussions about standardization versus flexibility in technology use among different healthcare providers.