AN ACT REQUIRING THAT HEALTH CARRIERS ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE COLLECTION OF OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES FOR COVERED BENEFITS.

This bill requires health insurance companies (health carriers) to collect patient cost-sharing amounts (like copays and deductibles) directly from policyholders instead of healthcare providers. If these costs remain unpaid after a specified period, insurers must cover the unpaid amount for the provider, rather than leaving providers to pursue payment. It directly affects health insurers and their members by shifting payment collection responsibilities from medical providers to insurers. The key mechanism ensures providers are paid for covered services without chasing unpaid patient cost-sharing.