HB 143 Summary

• Establishes the "Patient's Freedom of Choice of Providers Act" prohibiting health insurers from excluding state-licensed health care providers from their networks under certain conditions.

• Applies to health insurance plans offered by HMOs, health insurers, employee welfare benefit plans under ERISA, and other specified health coverage arrangements, excluding limited benefit and supplemental plans.

• Requires health insurers to include willing and qualified health care providers in their networks if the provider is located within the plan's geographic coverage area and agrees to meet the insurer's terms, conditions, and fee schedule.

• Defines "health care provider" to include professionals licensed under Florida chapters 458-466 and chapters 468, 483-486, and 490-491 of the Florida Statutes.

• Effective date is July 1, 2018.