Bill
SD 989
Bill prohibits health networks from restricting patient referrals based on financial incentives rather than clinical quality, potentially increasing patient choice but raising insurance costs.
Bill SD 989 aims to prohibit health care networks and insurance plans from restricting patient referrals to specific providers based on financial incentives or profit motives. The bill would require that medical referrals be based solely on clinical quality, patient preference, and medical necessity rather than contractual arrangements designed to limit costs through provider networks.
Patients could gain greater choice in selecting specialists and providers regardless of network restrictions. This addresses concerns that some insurance networks steer patients toward cheaper providers rather than those best suited to their medical condition, potentially affecting care quality and outcomes.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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