MS HB553

Creates the "Mississippi Patient Protection Act of 2014" to prohibit health insurers from discriminating against qualified health care providers located within the plan's geographic coverage area who accept the plan's terms and conditions.

Requires health insurers to allow qualified providers to participate in health benefit plans without arbitrary prohibition or limitation, while preserving insurers' authority to maintain quality standards and cost controls applied equally to all providers in the same class.

Applies to all health insurers, multiple employer welfare arrangements, and multiple employer trusts, but excludes health care provider networks offered by non-insurers unless a health insurer subcontracts with a non-insurer.

Assigns enforcement authority to the Mississippi Commissioner of Insurance, who may seek injunctions against non-compliant health insurers using powers granted under the Mississippi Insurance Code.

Takes effect July 1, 2014, and amends Section 83-41-409 to require managed care plans to comply with all requirements of the Patient Protection Act as a condition of certification.