Senate Takes On Tiff Between Insurance And Health Care Industries

A proposed law forcing health insurance companies to pay claims within sixty days is creating a dispute in the Senate between the insurance industry and the health care industry. Doctors and hospitals say insurance companies are delaying payment of claims so the companies can earn interest money. Insurance companies say they’re making sure the payments are justified. An effort is underway in the Senate to fine insurance companies that do not pay claims promptly. Opponents of the legislation say it is too punitive and inflexible.