Bill would require insurers to notify doctors of health plan contract changes

A bill under consideration in the Ohio General Assembly would require health insurers to notify doctors of any contract changes in the health plans the doctors accept. (Source: "Bill aims to stabilize health-fee contracts," Columbus Dispatch, Feb. 11, 2008.)  The measure, which passed the House as H.B. 125 and is now under consideration in the Senate as S.B. 127, would require insurers to have doctors sign a form saying they are aware of contract changes. The bill, which would also mandate clearer health insurer contracts and a standard online form for credential verification, is supported by the Ohio State Medical Association. However, insurance companies "think the measure would add to their administrative workload and that any associated costs could be passed to consumers in the form of higher premiums." Kelly McGivern, president of the Ohio Association of Health Plans, is quoted in the Dispatch article as saying lawmakers are giving doctors a special deal with the bill.