AL SB291

Requires health insurance contracts issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2017, between health insurers, their vendors, or regional care organizations and covered health care providers to include specific ACH payment language.

Mandates that contracts state in bold 12-point capital letters that a provider's request for payment via Automated Clearing House (ACH) electronic funds transfer must be honored and cannot be used to delay, reject, or adversely affect the provider.

Defines covered health care providers to include physicians, dentists, chiropractors, optometrists, other licensed health professionals, hospitals, and accredited or licensed health care facilities.

Permits alternative electronic funds transfer methods including wire transfers and card payments outside the ACH network for paying covered health care providers.

Becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.