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HB 5956

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND HOUSING RESOURCES ACT OF 1998

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stephen Casey and 1 co-sponsor

Michigan insurers cannot discriminate against health professionals acting within their Article 15 scope; aligns with ACA nondiscrimination and preserves terms and quality-based pay.

06/30/2025 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 5956

Summary — HB 5956 (PA 255 of 2024)

Purpose

HB 5956 adds section 3406jj to the Michigan Insurance Code to prohibit health insurers from discriminating, with respect to participation under a health insurance policy, against health professionals who are acting within the scope of their license under Article 15 of the Michigan Public Health Code. Sponsors and supporters said the measure codifies an existing federal nondiscrimination standard (under the Affordable Care Act) to preserve it if federal policy changes.

Key provisions

  • Adds MCL 500.3406jj to the Insurance Code.
  • Prohibits an insurer that delivers, issues for delivery, or renews a health insurance policy in Michigan from discriminating against a health professional acting within the scope of that professional’s Article 15 license, registration, or authorization (MCL 333.16101–333.18838).
  • Defines “discriminate” by reference to 42 U.S.C. 300gg–5 and its implementing regulations (the ACA nondiscrimination provision).
  • Defines “health professional” as an individual licensed, registered, or otherwise authorized under Article 15 of the Public Health Code (examples below).
  • Explicitly states two exceptions:
    • The statute does not require an insurer to contract with any health professional who is willing to abide by the insurer’s established terms and conditions for participation.
    • Insurers may establish varying reimbursement rates based on quality or performance measures.

Who is affected

  • Health insurers issuing, delivering, or renewing health insurance policies in Michigan (private insurers regulated under the Insurance Code).
  • Health professionals licensed under Article 15 of the Public Health Code — this encompasses professions regulated in that Article (for example: physicians, physician assistants, nurses and advanced practice nurses, chiropractors, dentists, and other licensed clinicians), to the extent they are acting within their licensed scope.

Enforcement, remedies, and limits

  • The statutory text adopts the federal definition of “discriminate” but does not itself specify remedies, enforcement procedures, or penalties in the added section.
  • The law preserves insurer discretion to set contract terms and differential reimbursement tied to quality/performance.

Legislative timeline & effective date

  • Introduced: Sept. 26, 2024 (Rep. Brenda Carter et al.).
  • Passed House and Senate Dec. 2024; enrolled/presented to Governor Jan. 8, 2025.
  • Approved by Governor: Jan. 21, 2025. Filed with Secretary of State and assigned Public Act No. 255 of 2024.
  • Effective date: April 2, 2025.

Fiscal impact

  • House Fiscal Agency: no fiscal impact on state or local governments.

Sources: Enrolled HB 5956 / Public Act 255 (2024), House Fiscal Agency analyses, MCL citations in bill text.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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