AL SB253

Allows insureds and beneficiaries of optometric, dental, or certified registered nurse anesthetist plans to assign reimbursement directly to the service provider when authorized.

Requires insurers, HMOs, and other third-party payors to pay assigned claims directly to providers under the same criteria and payment schedule as contract providers, plus applicable interest.

Makes insurers liable to providers if they pay insureds or beneficiaries after reimbursement rights have been assigned to the provider, with providers able to recover claim value plus interest and reasonable attorney's fees in court.

Prohibits insurers from excluding the right of assignment of benefits to any provider at the same benefit rate as paid to contract providers, though insurers may still determine benefit scope and negotiate reimbursement rates.

Does not apply to state-administered health benefit plans and becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and Governor approval.