Hartford HealthCare-Anthem standoff prompts state leaders' call for more rules in insurer-provider disputes

Connecticut officials are calling for legislation to address contract disputes between payers and providers following a recent feud between Hartford (Conn.) HealthCare and Anthem, according to a Hartford Business report.

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.

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