HB 17-1247 Summary

• Prohibits health benefit plans and third-party administrator plans from limiting covered persons' ability to select chiropractors, optometrists, or pharmacists of their choice if the provider agrees to the plan's contract terms.

• Bars plans from imposing differential copayments, fees, or cost-sharing requirements for selecting a provider of choice unless the same requirements apply uniformly to all covered persons within the state.

• Prevents plans from imposing other conditions that restrict a covered person's ability to use a provider or pharmacy of their choosing.

• Prohibits plans from denying a chosen provider participation in network contracts in Colorado, provided the provider agrees to accept the plan's terms and comply with applicable state and federal laws.

• Exempts inpatient or emergency medical care in licensed facilities, managed care plans with employed physicians or single medical groups, self-funded plans exempt from state regulation, and state or federal employee plans; takes effect January 1, 2019.