GA HB1374

Health insurance plans issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027 are prohibited from restricting payment methods to healthcare providers to only credit card payments or other methods that require fees or similar charges.

Insurers may only initiate or change to electronic funds transfer or virtual credit card payments if they notify providers of any associated fees, explain available alternative fee-free payment methods, and obtain express written acceptance from the provider or their agent.

Healthcare providers' selected payment method remains in effect until the provider chooses an alternative or makes an election in a new contract.

Insurers conducting electronic funds transfers under federal HIPAA standards (45 C.F.R. Section 162.1602) cannot charge transmission fees unless the healthcare provider has consented.

These payment method protections cannot be waived by contract, and any conflicting contractual clauses are void; violations are subject to enforcement by the Insurance Commissioner.