AR SB119

Amends Arkansas Code § 23-79-115(a) to require insurers to provide equal payment or reimbursement for healthcare services whether provided by hospitals/related facilities or licensed outpatient surgery centers under §§ 20-9-214 and 20-9-215.

Applies to individual or group accident and health insurance policies, hospital service corporation contracts, network participation agreements, and agreements between insurers and healthcare providers delivered, issued, or entered into in Arkansas more than 120 days after July 6, 1977.

Permits insurers to apply the Patient Protection Act of 1995 (§ 23-99-201 et seq. and § 23-99-801 et seq.) when setting payment rates for outpatient surgery center services.

Prohibits insurers from setting reimbursement rates for outpatient surgery center services at less than 90% of the average rate paid for the same procedure billed as a hospital outpatient service in the county where the surgery center is located.