H.B. 83 Summary

• Establishes a 60-day deadline for insurers and self-insured employers to pay medical bills and reports for workers' compensation claims upon receipt of all necessary documents.

• Imposes a 10% penalty plus 7% annual interest on unpaid portions of bills if payment is not made within 60 days, unless the injured employee was a government entity worker.

• Allows insurers to contest reasonableness and necessity of charges within 60 days; if contested, payment must be made within 20 days of an appellate board or director order without penalty if the insurer prevails.

• Creates a second review process where providers have 90 days to contest payment amounts, requiring employers to respond with a written determination within 14 days; failure to request review within 90 days results in bill being deemed withdrawn.

• Requires insurers to provide written notice to providers explaining any denial of charges and allows providers to object to denials within 90 days, with disputes proceeding to the appeals board if not resolved.