State Legislatures Expand Liabilit, Mandates - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

Healthcare Financial Management, August, 2000

More than 10,000 health-related bills and amendments were introduced in 44 state legislatures and the District of Columbia as of mid-June, according to a report by the Health Insurance Association of America. Of these, the bills that would have the greatest impact on the health insurance industry would expand liability against health plans, mandate external review of coverage decisions contested by consumers, provide antitrust waivers to physicians and other healthcare providers, provide tax relief to consumers who purchase private longterm care insurance, and mandate that employers and consumers pay for additional benefits.

Of the 44 state legislatures in session, 35 did not adopt legislation that would allow trial lawyers to launch lawsuits against health plans, but four states passed laws expanding the liability of health plans, according to the report.