MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2004 Regular Session

To: Insurance

By: Representative Ellington

House Bill 457

AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT IF AN INSURED PAYS A BILL THAT IS COVERED BY INSURANCE AND THE INSURER ALSO PAYS SUCH BILL, THE COMPANY OR PROVIDER WHO RECEIVES PAYMENT FROM BOTH THE INSURED AND THE INSURER MUST REIMBURSE THE INSURED ON A TIMELY BASIS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  If an insured pays a bill that is covered by insurance and the insurer also pays such bill, the company or provider who receives payment from both the insured and the insurer must reimburse the insured within thirty (30) days of receipt of payment by the insurer.  Failure of the company or provider to reimburse the insured in a timely manner shall subject the company or provider to a civil fine of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) per violation.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2004.