MS HB374

Requires facility-based physicians (radiologists, anesthesiologists, pathologists, emergency physicians, neonatologists, assistant surgeons) who bill uninsured or out-of-network patients to include plain-language explanations of mandatory mediation in billing statements when patient responsibility exceeds $250.

Allows patients to request mediation for out-of-network balance billing claims exceeding $250 when services were provided by a facility-based physician at a hospital with preferred provider or contractual status.

Brings forward existing sections 25-15-17 and 83-9-5 of Mississippi Code regarding benefit assignment to licensed health care providers and required insurance policy provisions, including timely claim payment standards and interest penalties for overdue claims.

Establishes administrative penalties ranging from $10,000 to $200,000 for insurers failing to pay clean claims within required timeframes (25 days for electronic claims, 35 days for paper claims).

Takes effect July 1, 2020, and applies only to medical services provided on or after that date.