Pennsylvania House Bill HB839

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/25
• Refer: 3/10/25

Caption

In quality health care accountability and protection, further providing for continuity of care.

Impact

The legislative intent behind HB 839 is to mitigate disruptions in care when patients transition between insurance plans or when their providers are no longer in-network. By allowing an extended transitional period, this bill aims to reduce the risk of interrupted care for individuals, particularly for those in vulnerable health conditions or undergoing significant medical procedures. Additionally, the bill mandates that any health care services provided during this transitional phase must be covered under the same terms as services from participating healthcare providers, thereby safeguarding patients from unexpected out-of-pocket expenses during a vulnerable time.

Summary

House Bill 839 introduces significant amendments to the existing Pennsylvania Insurance Company Law, specifically aimed at enhancing quality healthcare accountability and protection. The bill primarily addresses the concept of continuity of care, allowing covered individuals to maintain ongoing treatment with their current nonparticipating health care providers for a transitional period of up to 120 days following any contract termination with an insurer or managed care plan. This measure is particularly noteworthy as it caters to those undergoing critical treatments and aims to provide a buffer in instances where individuals might otherwise be abruptly forced to change providers due to insurance network modifications.

Sentiment

The reception of HB 839 has largely been positive among patient advocacy groups and healthcare professionals, who recognize the necessity of continuity in care as a crucial component of health outcomes. Legislators supporting the bill argue that it enhances patient rights and promotes better health management without compromising the quality of care. However, some insurance industry representatives have expressed concerns about potential increased costs and operational challenges associated with extending coverage to nonparticipating providers, which could influence the overall healthcare market dynamics in Pennsylvania.

Contention

While the sentiment around HB 839 leans toward viewing it as a progressive step for patient rights, criticism remains regarding its potential impacts on the insurance market and healthcare delivery systems. Some opponents fear that the requirement for insurers to extend coverage to nonparticipating providers could lead to increased healthcare costs and complicate existing provider network structures. Moreover, there may be discussions on how this might affect the negotiations between insurers and providers, as the extended periods for coverage could introduce new challenges in managing contracts and care consistency.