North Dakota bill would eliminate 'preferred provider' health networks

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BISMARCK — A bill in the North Dakota Senate would get rid of "preferred provider" health care networks.

The Senate Human Services Committee reviewed the bill today.

Insurance providers now often charge patients more if they use clinics outside the preferred network. The proposed bill would force companies that handle insurance payments to offer the same payment to any facility that wants a contract.

Supporters of the bill say current practices often exclude rural facilities and limit competition.

Opponents say there is already protection in state law. Current law says that if there is no preferred clinic within 50 miles of a patient, the patient can't be charged a higher rate.

Opponents say the state also couldn't apply the law to companies based outside North Dakota.

It is HB1386.

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