Review of health insurance carrier decisions passed

Lawmakers gave final approval March 1 to a bill meant to bring Nebraska into compliance with federal health care reform efforts.

LB147, introduced by Grand Island Sen. Mike Gloor, fulfills a mandate required under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) that states adopt a process for external review of internal decision-making by health insurance carriers.

An independent review organization will be required to make a determination within 45 days, or within 72 hours in the case of an expedited review. The bill outlines a separate process for external review of decisions denying coverage on the grounds that the health care service is investigational or experimental.

LB147 applies to any claim submitted on or after Jan. 1, 2014.

The bill passed on a 46-0 vote.