The Florida Medical Association (FMA) has announced plans to pursue new legislation aimed at curbing insurance practices that it says are unfair to physicians. The association is targeting two main issues: contractually-mandated credit card payments instead of electronic fund transfers, and retroactive denials where insurers approve a procedure or service but later refuse payment or seek reimbursement due to changes in a patient’s coverage status.
According to the FMA, these practices can result in financial losses for medical providers. “Medical practices should not be forced to lose money because of fees associated with mandatory credit card payments, nor should insurers be allowed to recoup funds or deny payments for services that have been duly authorized,” the organization stated.
The FMA is seeking support from its members and the wider medical community. Physicians who have encountered either issue are encouraged to participate in advocacy efforts by sharing their experiences with lawmakers or speaking directly with state representatives and senators. Those interested are asked to contact Jarrod Fowler, Director of Health Care Policy and Innovation at the FMA, via email at jfowler@flmedical.org.
The association emphasized its commitment to legislative reforms that would address these insurer practices during the upcoming session in Tallahassee.
