The bill aims to clarify the payment and reimbursement processes for healthcare services provided by outpatient surgery centers in Arkansas. It amends Arkansas Code 23-79-115(a) to ensure that individuals entitled to payment or reimbursement for healthcare services under their insurance policies receive equal treatment when those services are provided by licensed outpatient surgery centers, as opposed to hospitals or related facilities. The bill specifies that this equal payment provision applies regardless of any existing agreements or policies that might otherwise dictate different reimbursement rates.

Additionally, the bill establishes that insurers must adhere to certain guidelines when setting reimbursement rates for services provided by outpatient surgery centers. Specifically, insurers are prohibited from setting rates lower than 90% of the average payment for similar services billed as hospital outpatient services in the same county. This provision is designed to ensure fair compensation for services rendered at outpatient surgery centers, thereby promoting equitable access to healthcare services across different types of facilities.

Statutes affected:
SB 119: 23-79-115(a)