West Virginia lawmakers are studying whether to allow policyholders to require that insurers pay their providers directly, according to a Houston Chronicle report.
At least 18 states currently mandate that insurers honor assignment-of-benefit agreements, which may direct payments to a physician or provider outside an insurers' approved network. Because insurers negotiate reduced rates with network providers, they worry that the proposal will increase healthcare costs by eliminating the incentive for providers to go in-network.
Physicians and hospital groups say the proposal would improve care and make the healthcare system more efficient. The state's medical and hospital associations commented on the proposal along with insurance representatives at a legislative meeting this week.
Related Articles on Coding, Billing and Collections:
Healthcare Providers Join Movement to Simplify Complicated Patient Bills
Decreasing Average Days in A/R From 100 to 35: Thoughts From Becky Ziegler Otis
5 Strategies to Negotiate Strong Orthopedic Payor Contracts
At least 18 states currently mandate that insurers honor assignment-of-benefit agreements, which may direct payments to a physician or provider outside an insurers' approved network. Because insurers negotiate reduced rates with network providers, they worry that the proposal will increase healthcare costs by eliminating the incentive for providers to go in-network.
Physicians and hospital groups say the proposal would improve care and make the healthcare system more efficient. The state's medical and hospital associations commented on the proposal along with insurance representatives at a legislative meeting this week.
Related Articles on Coding, Billing and Collections:
Healthcare Providers Join Movement to Simplify Complicated Patient Bills
Decreasing Average Days in A/R From 100 to 35: Thoughts From Becky Ziegler Otis
5 Strategies to Negotiate Strong Orthopedic Payor Contracts