When we get a medical treatment, we present our insurance card, sometimes make a co-pay, and walk out the door. It’s up to the provider of that treatment to collect from the insurance company. Sometimes the providers have trouble getting our insurance company to pay in a timely fashion.
The state senate has passed a prompt-pay bill eliminating a provision in present law that allows insurance companies to suspend payment indefintely. Sponsor Jim Lembke says an insurance department study shows suspensions have been especially hard on out-state providers: “They’re realizing 37 percent of their claims are 90 days and over.” The study shows delays are less in urban areas although the levels fluctuate from region to retion.
The bill requires insurance companies to tell providers within 30 days what is specifically wrong with a claim and gives the providers 15 days to make corrections so they can be paid.