MS HB374

Prohibits health insurers from issuing policies that restrict or limit an insured's ability to assign benefits to licensed health care providers.

Requires insurers to pay benefits directly to health care providers when insured provides written direction to do so.

Specifies that direct payment to providers constitutes payment in full, and providers may not bill the insured except for deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, or noncovered services/equipment requested by the insured.

Establishes administrative penalties for insurers that fail to pay clean claims timely: up to $10,000 for 85-95% compliance, $10,000-$100,000 for 50-85% compliance, and $100,000-$200,000 for less than 50% compliance.

Takes effect July 1, 2013.