SB 281 - This act prohibits health benefit plans, health insurance plans or policies, employee benefit plans, or health maintenance organizations from giving monetary incentives or penalties that would affect a beneficiary's choice of health care provider. No fee may be imposed on one beneficiary if it is not imposed on all beneficiaries in the same category. In addition, no health care provider may be prohibited from participating in a plan if the provider has accepted the appropriate terms of the agreement. This should not be construed to prevent a health benefit plan from maintaining quality and control over its providers or to prevent a health benefit plan from covering specific services.

Any person adversely affected by a violation of this act may sue for injunctive relief. After August 28, 1999, any provision in a health benefit plan that is contrary to this act will be void.
ERIN MOTLEY