Commissioner Senn Invites Public Testimony on New Rules for Provider Contracts with Carriers.

OLYMPIA, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 21, 1999--

State Insurance Commissioner Deborah Senn has scheduled a series of public hearings across the state in early August to collect feedback on new rules that will strengthen consumer protection by setting limits on provider contract provisions that affect medical decision-making.

The series of public hearings is scheduled August 2-4 in Seattle, Spokane, Vancouver, Pasco and Yakima.

"The rules reflect the important concerns that health-care professionals and health-care facilities managers brought to me concerning the contracts they must sign with insurers," said Insurance Commissioner Deborah Senn.

"Overall, these rules emphasize one of our most important consumer protections, which is that health-care providers, not insurers, be in charge of medical decision-making," Commissioner Senn said. "They also set a clear deadline to require prompt payment of outstanding claims."

The hearings will be:

+ August 2: 10 a.m., Vancouver, Marshall Community Center, 1009

E. McLaughlin

+ August 2: 6 p.m., Seattle Central Community College, 1701

Broadway.

+ August 3: 2 p.m., Spokane, Downtown Public Library, 906 West

Main Ave.

+ August 4: 9 a.m., Pasco, Columbia Basin Community College

+ August 4: 4 p.m., Yakima, Yakima County Courthouse, 128 N. 2nd

St.

Commissioner Senn said the draft rules generally prevent insurance carriers from imposing contract provisions that are unfair and inappropriate for health care delivery.

Specifically, the rules include these provisions:

-- Insurers must pay documented claims (according to industry standards) within 30 days, or pay interest at 12% per year on delayed payments.

-- Every contract must have a fast, fair dispute resolution process that can be completed within 30 days and does not exclude any subject.

-- Providers can review insurer standards, manuals or documents that will impose responsibilities on providers before the provider signs a contract.

-- Insurers cannot punish providers reporting possible violation of any law.

-- The Insurance Commissioner's Office must be informed of material changes in contracts with health care providers in advance of any change to determine if any adverse impact will be imposed on the delivery of benefits to consumers.

EDITORS: A copy of the rules may be obtained on Commissioner Senn's web page (www.wa.gov/ins) or by calling Kacy Brandeberry at 360/664-3784. For more information on the hearings, call that number or e-mail [e-mail].