This bill amends RSA 415:6-i to prohibit insurers from conducting audits of provider services after the services have been delivered but before payment has been made to the provider. The new legal language inserted into the law states that if an insurer violates this provision, they must promptly pay the provider for the services rendered, hold the patient harmless for any co-pay or co-insurance obligations, and remit interest at a rate of 15 percent per annum from the date of service until payment is made. Additionally, insurers found in violation of this rule waive their rights to retrospectively review the services that were subject to the impermissible audit.

The bill aims to protect healthcare providers from delayed payments and ensure that patients are not financially burdened due to insurer audits. The fiscal impact of the bill is indeterminable, as it may lead to increased premiums for health insurance carriers to offset the costs associated with the mandated payments and penalties. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 415:6-i