S.B. 1217 Summary

• Prohibits health insurers, mutual benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations from discriminating against any health care provider acting within the scope of their state license or certification.

• Aligns Hawaii state law with the federal provider nondiscrimination requirements of Section 2706 of the Public Health Service Act to preserve patient choice in selecting providers.

• Permits insurers to establish different terms and conditions for provider participation and to set varying reimbursement rates based on quality or performance measures.

• Applies only to the extent required by federal Section 2706 requirements and does not mandate insurers to contract with any specific provider.

• Takes effect July 1, 2112.