AN ACT TO CREATE THE "MISSISSIPPI PATIENT PROTECTION ACT OF 2026"; TO DECLARE LEGISLATIVE INTENT; TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS USED IN THE ACT; TO PROVIDE THAT A HEALTH INSURER SHALL NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST ANY PROVIDER WHO IS LOCATED WITHIN THE GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE AREA OF A HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN AND WHO IS WILLING TO MEET THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION ESTABLISHED BY THE HEALTH INSURER; TO PROHIBIT A HEALTH INSURER FROM IMPOSING A MONETARY ADVANTAGE OR PENALTY THAT WOULD AFFECT A BENEFICIARY'S CHOICE AMONG THOSE HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS WHO PARTICIPATE IN THE HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN; TO REQUIRE THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE TO ENFORCE THE STATE'S ANY WILLING PROVIDER LAWS; TO PROVIDE INJUNCTIVE RELIEF FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS ACT; TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE TO ADOPT REGULATIONS TO IMPLEMENT THE ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 83-41-409, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY THERETO; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 83-41-409
Committee Substitute: 83-41-409