Mississippi House Bill HB866

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Mississippi Preauthorization Gold Card Act; enact.

Impact

The bill specifies that healthcare insurers must grant exemptions for preauthorization if a provider has shown a successful approval rate of 90% or higher of their preauthorization requests over the last six months. This measure is expected to enhance efficiency in healthcare delivery by reducing delays in receiving care due to protracted approval processes. Additionally, the legislation mandates that insurers must notify providers about their exemption status promptly and grants the right to appeal any adverse determinations regarding these exemptions.

Summary

House Bill 866, known as the Mississippi Preauthorization Gold Card Act, aims to streamline the preauthorization process for healthcare services provided by physicians and healthcare providers. By creating new sections in the Mississippi Code, the bill outlines specific conditions under which certain healthcare providers can receive exemptions from preauthorization requirements. This system is designed to minimize the administrative burden on providers, allowing them to focus more on patient care rather than navigating complex preauthorization procedures.

Conclusion

If enacted, House Bill 866 will represent a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for healthcare providers in Mississippi. This legislation could serve as a model for other states looking to reform their healthcare authorization processes, but its success will depend on effective implementation and ongoing evaluation of its impacts on healthcare quality and accessibility.

Contention

While there are anticipated benefits from HB 866, the legislation has sparked debate among stakeholders. Proponents argue that easing preauthorization requirements will lead to improved patient outcomes and allow providers to deliver care more efficiently. On the flip side, critics worry that it may lead to less oversight in the approval of treatments, potentially compromising patient safety. Concerns persist regarding how the implementation of this act might affect the insurance landscape and whether it will ultimately align with broader healthcare goals.