June 16, 2015
On June 1, 2015, Gov. Abbott signed HB 574 into law. The law provides that an insurer cannot prohibit, attempt to prohibit, or discourage a physician, dentist or other provider from providing information about non-network providers and services that are available to the enrollee, including out-of-network providers. The law prohibits an insurer from terminating or threatening to terminate an insured’s participation in a plan solely because an insured uses an out-of-network provider. HB 574 requires that an out-of-network referral include information about possible higher costs for enrollees and whether the provider has a financial interest in an out-of-network provider. Finally, the law requires insurers to provide explanations of provider plan termination. The law is effective Sept. 1, 2015.
HB 574 »