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Senate advances health-insurance 'right to shop' pilot after floor debate on protections and fiscal impacts
Summary
Senators advanced HB 19, a pilot 'savings reward' program beginning with PEHP that would rebate insured members a small share of verified savings when they choose lower‑cost covered providers. Floor debate focused on patient protections, panel and balance-billing implications, and fiscal-note assumptions.
Senator Sam Weiler introduced House Bill 19, a pilot program that would allow PEHP to implement a savings‑reward system that pays insured members a small percentage of documented savings when they select covered services billed below the average cost. The sponsor said the measure is patterned after programs in other states and would begin as a PEHP pilot before potentially expanding.
Lawmakers questioned what safeguards the bill provides if a patient receives care of lower price but with poorer outcomes. Senator Escamilla asked whether the bill includes protections for individuals who could…
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