House Bill 1156

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 83-9-401, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REMOVE THE EXEMPTION FOR ERISA AND SELF-FUNDED PLANS FROM THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE REIMBURSEMENT RATE FOR A PERSON WHO IS IN-STATE BUT HAS AN OUT-OF-STATE HEALTH BENEFIT POLICY BE THE SAME AS THE REIMBURSEMENT RATE IN THE STATE OF ISSUANCE IF THAT RATE IS HIGHER; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 83-9-401, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

83-9-401. Any insurer, subcontractor, third-party administrator or other payor that administers a health benefit policy issued in another state that covers a person in this state, shall reimburse providers at the reimbursement rate as provided in the state of issuance, if that reimbursement rate is higher than the reimbursement rate in this state and if the premium for such policy was based on certain benefits and provider network reimbursements in the issuing state. Furthermore, if a benefit is provided in the issuing state, that benefit must be provided to covered persons in this state. The Commissioner of Insurance may adopt rules and regulations necessary to ensure policyholder protection and compliance with this section. * * *

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2025.