This bill amends the Managed Care Law by introducing a new section that mandates the Insurance Commissioner to hold a public hearing within 15 business days when a health carrier intends to terminate a contract with a provider affecting 1,000 or more covered persons. The hearing aims to gather information and testimony from various stakeholders, including the insurer, provider, and the public, regarding the potential impact of the contract termination on access to quality and affordable health care services in the community. Additionally, the bill requires that health carriers and affected providers jointly notify covered persons of their continued access rights and the scheduled hearing.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing contract standards by ensuring that every contract entered into after July 1, 2003, includes a provision for continued access to the provider for 60 days following termination, except in cases of unprofessional behavior. The joint written notice to affected covered persons must explain their access rights and inform them about the public hearing scheduled by the Insurance Commissioner. The bill does not provide funding or authorize new positions but anticipates increased expenditures for the New Hampshire Insurance Department to manage the required hearings and notifications, with estimated costs rising over the next few fiscal years.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 420-J:8
SB548 text: 420-J:8