MS HB1378

Requires covered entities (insurers and claims administrators) to pay health care benefits directly to nonparticipating providers when patients have signed a written assignment of benefits, rather than only paying participating in-network providers

Mandates covered entities notify patients in writing when payments are made directly to providers, and requires nonparticipating providers to notify the covered entity of the assignment

Imposes 5% daily compounded interest penalty on claims remaining unpaid 60 days after receipt of all required documentation

Requires covered entities to pay the provider within 30 days if benefits were incorrectly sent to the patient instead of the assigned provider, and to notify providers of any claim disputes within 14 days of receipt

Clarifies that accepting an assignment of benefits does not obligate providers to accept the covered entity's fee schedule as full or appropriate payment