The proposed bill, H. B. No. 2025-2026, seeks to enact section 3902.55 of the Revised Code, which will prohibit health plan issuers from requiring or inducing healthcare providers to collect copayments and other cost-sharing amounts from covered persons. Effective January 1, 2027, health plan issuers will be mandated to make all reimbursements for covered services directly to healthcare providers, ensuring that providers are not responsible for collecting these costs from patients. The bill also clarifies definitions related to benefits contracts, healthcare services, and providers, establishing a clear framework for compliance.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that any health benefit plan or benefits contract entered into, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027, cannot require healthcare providers to collect cost-sharing amounts from covered persons or require covered persons to pay these amounts to providers. However, it allows healthcare providers to collect amounts owed for uncovered services and accept cash payments from covered persons instead of reimbursement under a health benefit plan. This legislation aims to streamline the payment process and reduce the financial burden on patients at the point of care.