Although Hartford HealthCare and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield resolved their dispute with a three-year contract, Connecticut lawmakers sought information on how the impasse affected patients during a Nov. 28 hearing.
Connecticut’s lead Democrat, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney of New Haven, and Comptroller Kevin Lembo discussed possible legislation that would permit mediation and binding arbitration in payer-provider contract disputes.
Specifically, Mr. Lembo proposed up to 60 days of mandatory mediation, followed by binding arbitration, should a provider agreement expire without resolution. Mr. Looney, who met backlash from the healthcare and insurance industries when he previously introduced similar legislation, seeks to bar physicians from moving to out-of-network status amid contract negotiations. Mr. Looney also proposed allowing feuding parties to request binding arbitration.
For the full report, click here.
More articles on payer issues:
California exchange devotes $45M to ACA ad spending
UnitedHealth’s Optum launches $250M investment fund
3 things to know about UnitedHealth’s 2018 earnings forecast
At the Becker's 5th Annual Fall Payer Issues Roundtable, taking place November 2–3 in Chicago, payer executives and healthcare leaders will come together to discuss value-based care, regulatory changes, cost management strategies and innovations shaping the future of payer-provider collaboration. Apply for complimentary registration now.
