MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2005 Regular Session

To: Insurance; Public Health and Human Services

By: Representative Moore

House Bill 853

AN ACT TO CREATE A NEW CODE SECTION TO BE CODIFIED AS SECTION 83-9-26, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES OR PLANS SHALL PROVIDE REIMBURSEMENT FOR PODIATRY SERVICES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  The following section shall be codified as Section 83-9-26, Mississippi Code of 1972:

     83-9-26.  Whenever any policy of insurance or any medical service plan or hospital service contract or hospital and medical service contract issued in this state provides for reimbursement for any service which is within the lawful scope of practice of a duly licensed podiatrist as defined in Section 73-27-1, then such service may be performed by a duly licensed podiatrist, and the insured or other person entitled to benefits under such policy, plan or contract shall be entitled to reimbursement for such services.  The insured shall have the right to choose the podiatrist to perform such services.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2005.