Ohio's latest budget bill, House Bill 96, has introduced a slew of insurance-related provisions that came into effect at the end of September. As reported by the Ohio Department of Insurance, these changes span various policies impacting consumers, industry stakeholders, and healthcare providers.
Notably, health plan issuers are now mandated to present all "reasonably available" payment methods, including at least one fee-free option. "Providers must have the option to opt out of credit card payments and choose another method," the Ohio Department of Insurance stated. Significantly, the adjustment of payment methods is required to be fulfilled by issuers within 31 business days, a timeline set to streamline financial transactions without any fees for making such changes.
The bill also enforces equality in reimbursement across medical professionals – a stance that clarifies the standing of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). It prohibits variation in payment based solely on whether services were provided by CRNAs or physicians, unless it's tied to quality or performance outcome measures. It allows insurers to vary reimbursement rates based on quality or performance measures, according to the same department release. By doing so, it emphasizes the value and expertise of these nursing professionals in the wider healthcare apparatus.
Similarly, the process for obtaining certain Ohio Department of Insurance licenses has been simplified by removing the previous oath requirement for applicants. In the realm of long-term care insurance, a new mandate ties agents' educational compliance to their license renewal period, and doing otherwise is now deemed an unfair and deceptive practice in the business of insurance. Moreover, the Ohio Department of Insurance must aid patients with end-stage renal disease in navigating Medicare eligibility and applications, intending to improve system access and close gaps in coverage.
Additionally, changes in motor vehicle insurance provisions free certain vehicle-related contracts from the shackles of state insurance laws and enforce a more consumer-friendly approach towards leased vehicle contracts. As the bill outlines, agents must confirm that Assigned Risk Plan applicants have already been turned down by at least five insurers before looking to the Plan as a recourse.
