House Bill 820 Summary

• Creates an independent dispute resolution process when a large health insurer (50% or more market share) and large health system (5+ healthcare facilities including a hospital) cannot agree on contract terms resulting in network exclusion.

• Commissioner of Insurance may order mediation if exclusion would result in a large number of covered persons losing accessible healthcare in a geographic area, losing reasonable access to covered benefits, or would significantly harm Mississippi citizens by excluding an essential community provider.

• Mediation process requires parties to select a mutually acceptable licensed attorney mediator within 15 days and attempt good faith resolution within 30 days under Court Annexed Mediation Rules, with costs split equally between parties.

• If mediation fails within 30 days, the Governor may order binding arbitration before three arbitrators (one selected by Governor, one by insurer, one by health system), with decision required within 30 days and not subject to judicial review.

• Takes effect upon passage.