Bill would make insurers accept any willing provider

Tools

Fueling the fight against narrow networks, a bill moving forward in the Mississippi House would require insurers to accept into their network any healthcare provider who meets contract terms, the Associated Press reported. The bill would not force any provider to join an insurance network or reduce insurers' ability to establish prices, payment terms or quality standards. "If you'll play by our rules, you can play on our court," state Rep. Mark Formby (R) told the AP. "That's what it says." The bill follows an executive order last fall from Gov. Phil Bryant (R) for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi to reinstate 10 hospitals previously owned by Health Management Associates that the insurer had cut from its network in July. Article