MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2005 Regular Session

To: Insurance

By: Representative Ishee

House Bill 29

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 83-41-417, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS SHALL NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST ANY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER WHO IS LOCATED WITHIN THE GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE OF THE HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION AND WHO IS WILLING TO MEET THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION ESTABLISHED BY THE HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  Section 83-41-417, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     83-41-417.  A health maintenance organization as defined in Section 83-41-303, and a managed care entity as defined in Section 83-41-403, shall establish procedures to give interested health care providers located in the geographic area served an opportunity to apply for participation.  A health maintenance organization as defined in Section 83-41-303 shall not discriminate against any provider as defined in Section 83-41-303(v) who is located within the geographic coverage area of the health maintenance organization and who is willing to meet the terms and conditions for participation established by the health maintenance organization.

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