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Chiropractic groups seek clarifying changes in AB511 to ensure providers are reimbursed; Division of Insurance neutral
Summary
Dr. Yeager told the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee that AB511 updates insurance statute language so reimbursements reflect current practice, including payments made directly to providers under assignment of benefits.
Dr. Yeager, representing chiropractic interests, presented Assembly Bill 511 to clarify existing insurance statutes so reimbursement language reflects current practice: when a patient receives care the insurer ordinarily pays the provider directly under an assignment of benefits.
Dr. Yeager said Nevada law contains older language that entitles the insured to reimbursement and that a statutory cleanup would ensure providers are not disadvantaged by outdated phrasing. He cited the Affordable Care Act’s anti-discrimination provision (section 2706(a)) and observed that chiropractic physicians are included among provider types listed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Adam Plain of the Nevada Division of Insurance testified neutral. Plain said the Division understands the intent of the cleanup and is not opposed. He noted the historical context: older "indemnity" plans reimbursed insureds directly, whereas modern network plans typically have providers submit claims and receive payment. Plain suggested the committee consider preserving language that protects out‑of‑network indemnity reimbursement so the bill does not unintentionally remove existing patient reimbursement options.
Senator Daley asked several questions about how assignment-of-benefits practices work in practice and whether consumers typically assign benefits to providers. Plain and Dr. Yeager agreed that assignment of benefits is the standard for most provider encounters, and Dr. Yeager asked to be included in drafting any additional language to ensure the statute covers both the insured (patient) and the provider.
The committee took neutral testimony from the Division of Insurance and legal staff discussed particular statutory cross-references. The committee did not take a recorded vote or other formal action during the hearing; proponents and staff said they would continue to craft language and consult with the Division to avoid unintended consequences.
