Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB1504

Introduced
2/6/23  
Refer
2/7/23  
Refer
2/20/23  
Report Pass
2/22/23  
Engrossed
3/21/23  
Refer
3/29/23  
Report Pass
4/4/23  
Enrolled
4/27/23  

Caption

Health insurance; policies; compensation; liability for damages; fines; fees; creating certain policyholder rights; effective date.

Impact

The implications of HB 1504 include significant modifications to the relationships between insurers, policyholders, and healthcare providers. By allowing direct reimbursement to providers upon assignment, this bill facilitates smoother transactions between policyholders and healthcare professionals. Additionally, the bill introduces specific regulations on emergency service coverage, particularly regarding insurers' responsibilities in the event of emergencies, which is expected to ensure that necessary healthcare is readily accessible without administrative burdens.

Summary

House Bill 1504 relates to the areas of health insurance and aims to enhance the rights of policyholders while also amending existing statutory provisions regarding insurance practices. Key amendments involve provisions for the assignment of benefits under accident and health insurance policies, ensuring that providers are compensated directly for services rendered upon proper assignment by the insured. Furthermore, the bill specifies that insurance companies cannot unilaterally remove providers from their networks for providing comprehensive information to patients about available care options, including out-of-network choices.

Sentiment

Discussion surrounding HB 1504 has generally reflected a supportive sentiment from patient advocacy groups and healthcare providers who view the legislation as a positive step towards enhancing patient rights and ensuring fair treatment in insurance policies. However, there are concerns among some legislators and stakeholders about the potential financial impact on insurance companies, which could lead to increased premiums as insurers adapt to the increased obligations and liabilities imposed by the bill.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance of power between insurers and healthcare providers, particularly regarding network participation and compensation structures. Critics of the bill have highlighted concerns that while it aims to protect patient rights, it may inadvertently lead to unintended consequences for insurance providers. Some lawmakers argue that imposing strict guidelines on provider removal and emergency coverage could affect the pricing models and operational flexibility of insurance companies.

Companion Bills

OK HB1504

Carry Over Health insurance; policies; compensation; liability for damages; fines; fees; creating certain policyholder rights; effective date.

Previously Filed As

OK HB1504

Health insurance; policies; compensation; liability for damages; fines; fees; creating certain policyholder rights; effective date.

OK SB351

Health Care Freedom of Choice Act; expanding health care providers to be paid by an assigned benefits claim; establishing penalties. Effective date.

OK SB438

Healthcare Freedom of Choice Act; prohibiting certain policy from discriminating against a particular class of practitioner. Effective date.

OK SB543

Insurance; creating the Insurance Data Security Act. Effective date.

OK SB195

Motor vehicle liability policies; increasing minimum amount of insurance to be held for property damage. Effective date.

OK SB513

Biomarker testing; requiring health insurance coverage of biomarker testing under certain conditions. Effective date.

OK HB1503

Insurance; motor vehicle liability policies; modifying minimum insurance coverage requirements; effective date.

OK SB881

Health insurance; creating the Surprise Billing Protection Act of 2023. Effective date.

OK HB2398

Workers' compensation; first responders; injuries related to mental health; disability benefits; effective date.

OK SB887

Freedom of conscience; creating the Medical Ethics Defense Act; granting certain rights and protections to certain medical practitioners, healthcare institutions, or healthcare payers. Effective date.

Similar Bills

OK HB2322

State Medicaid program; Ensuring Access to Medicaid Act; broadening certain definition; reimbursements; providers; pharmacists; effective date; emergency; contingent effectiveness.

OK HB2323

Insurance; health insurance; prohibiting certain health insurers from removing provider from a network for certain reasons; effective date.

OK SB438

Healthcare Freedom of Choice Act; prohibiting certain policy from discriminating against a particular class of practitioner. Effective date.

OK SB438

Healthcare Freedom of Choice Act; prohibiting certain policy from discriminating against a particular class of practitioner. Effective date.

OK HB1504

Health insurance; policies; compensation; liability for damages; fines; fees; creating certain policyholder rights; effective date.

OK SB78

Health insurance; requiring insurer to pay out-of-network entities directly for services. Effective date.