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HB 291

INSURANCE/HEALTH: Prohibits health insurers from taking adverse payment or contracting actions against participating facilities based solely on another provider's network status (EN INCREASE EX See Note)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stephanie Berault

Prohibits insurers from adversely treating healthcare facilities based solely on another provider's network status, limiting insurer contract leverage in network management decisions.

Effective date: 06/08/2026.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 291

Legislative bill overview

HB 291 prohibits health insurers from penalizing or denying contracts to healthcare facilities based solely on whether another provider is or isn't in their insurance network. The bill aims to prevent insurers from using network status of competing providers as a basis for adverse actions against participating facilities.

Why is this important

This addresses potential anti-competitive practices where insurers could leverage network inclusion/exclusion of rival providers to pressure facilities into unfavorable contract terms. Healthcare facility access and network breadth directly affect patient care options and insurance plan competitiveness in the marketplace.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurer network management autonomy: Health insurers argue they need flexibility in network design for cost control, quality assurance, and market competition; this bill may limit their ability to negotiate or restructure networks strategically
  • Defining "solely based on": The practical enforcement challenge of distinguishing between legitimate network decisions and impermissible discrimination—insurers may cite multiple reasons for contract actions, making causality difficult to prove
  • Unintended consequences on consolidation: Could inadvertently protect larger healthcare systems by preventing insurers from using network leverage as a negotiating tool, potentially reducing competitive pressure on facility pricing and service quality

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

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