You have the right to appeal a denied claim, and the insurance company must provide a written explanation for the denial.
The appeals process typically involves submitting additional documentation or evidence to support your claim, and the insurance company must review it within a specific timeframe.
You can also file a complaint with your state's insurance department, which can investigate and resolve the issue.
The insurance company must provide a written decision on your appeal within a certain number of days, usually 30 or 60 days.
Understanding Prompt Pay Law
The Prompt Pay Law requires third-party payers to comply with HIPAA by a specific date, which can be delayed by extensions.
Payment due dates under the Prompt Pay Law are the same for all third-party payers, with the latest date being August 5.
Oklahoma's Prompt-Pay law requires insurers to reimburse clean claims within 30 calendar days for electronic submissions and 45 calendar days for paper submissions.
Medical providers can file a complaint for late payment of a claim, but must wait 45 days after submission of a clean claim for the health plan to pay before filing a complaint.
An overdue payment shall bear simple interest at the rate of 10% per year, and if litigation is brought, the prevailing party is entitled to recover a reasonable attorney fee.
Most health insurance companies, Medicare supplement insurers, long-term care insurance companies, and other types of health plans are subject to Oklahoma's prompt-pay law.
Claim Submission and Review
Claim submission and review can be a lengthy process. In fact, some claims can take up to 30 days to be processed.
If your claim is not promptly paid, you should submit a follow-up letter to the insurance company. This letter should be dated and include the claim number, as well as a clear statement of the issue.
Your insurance company has a specific timeframe to review and pay your claim, which is typically 30 days.
Claim Forms
Claim forms are a crucial part of the claim submission process, and Ohio Administrative Code Section 3901-1-59 prescribes the standard claim forms for different types of healthcare providers.
The standard claim forms for institutional health care practitioners are CMS Form 1450, which includes UB-82 or UB-92 and its successors.
For health care practitioners billing for professional services, the standard claim form is CMS Form 1500, or its successor forms as approved by CMS.
Dentists use J512 Form, while pharmacists use NCPDP Form 1983 or its successors.
Supporting documentation is also required, which includes verification of employer and beneficiary coverage, confirmation of premium payment, and medical information regarding the beneficiary and services provided.
Here is a list of the standard claim forms for different types of healthcare providers:
- For institutional health care practitioners -- CMS Form 1450 (formally HCFA Form 1450)
- For health care practitioners billing for professional services -- CMS Form 1500 (formerly HCFA Form 1500)
- For dentists -- J512 Form
- For pharmacists -- NCPDP Form 1983 or its successors
Request for Supporting Documentation Leading to Pre-existing Medical Condition Review
The clock starts ticking the day after you submit your claim, but it can be suspended if the insurance company needs more information from you.
The clock stops when the insurance company sends a request for supporting documentation, and it starts again when they receive the necessary documents.
If the insurance company requests additional supporting documentation for a pre-existing condition review, the clock stops again, and the processing time begins anew.
A total of 55 processing days elapsed in the given scenario, not counting the 43 suspended days.
The payment was due on August 1, but since the processing time exceeded the deadline, 10 days of interest is now due.
Here's a summary of the key dates in this scenario:
- May 5: Claim received.
- June 17: Supporting documentation is received.
- July 25: Additional supporting documentation concerning pre-existing conditions is received.
- August 1: Payment was due.
Clean Claims and Grievances
A clean claim is a claim that has no defect or impropriety, including a lack of any required substantiating documentation, or particular circumstance requiring special treatment that impedes prompt payment.
To file a complaint, you can submit either the Oklahoma Insurance Department's Prompt Pay Form or the Request For Assistance Form.
If a claim is not a clean claim, the insurer must notify the insured or their assignee and the health care provider in writing within 30 calendar days after receipt of the claim.
The notice must specify the portion of the claim that is causing the delay and explain any additional information or corrections needed.
You can file a complaint if the insurer fails to provide this notice, or if the notice is not provided in a timely manner.
Complaint and Exemption Procedures
If a health insurance claim is not promptly paid, you can file a complaint with your state's insurance department. You can also contact your state's department of insurance to inquire about the complaint process.
In most states, the department of insurance has a complaint process that allows you to file a complaint online or by phone. You will need to provide detailed information about your claim, including the claim number and the date you submitted it.
The insurance department will review your complaint and may contact your insurance company to resolve the issue. If the insurance company fails to pay your claim, the insurance department may take further action, such as imposing fines or penalties.
[Information Needed for Provider Complaint]
If you're a medical provider who needs to file a complaint, it's essential to have the right information on hand. You'll need to include the name of the insurance company involved in the dispute.
A written statement outlining your complaint and summarizing the facts is also crucial. This should include copies of correspondence between you and the carrier, as well as any other written documentation that supports your case.
You'll also need to provide specific information about the benefit plan, such as the type of plan (e.g., PPO, HMO, indemnity) and the specific benefit plan name if it's known.
If applicable, you'll need to include the name of the employer through which insurance coverage is provided. Your provider PIN, member ID number, date of original claim filing, date of service, billed amount for the service, and description of the service or CPT code involved are also necessary.
Here's a list of the required information to help you get started:
Remember, not every complaint will require all of this information, but providing as much detail as possible will help speed up the review process.
Exemptions to Prompt Payment Procedures
Some health plans are exempt from the prompt payment procedures. These include State Employee Health Plans, such as Health Choice.
Self-Funded Employee Health Benefit Plans are also exempt, and complaints are referred to the plan administrator, the employer's human resources department, and/or the U.S. Department of Labor.
Federal Employees' Health Plan is exempt, and complaints are referred to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
Medicare, including traditional Medicare, is exempt, and complaints are referred to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Medicaid is also exempt, and complaints are referred to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority.
Medical malpractice or risk management issues are referred to the malpractice insurer, and legal/contract issues are referred to legal counsel.
Here are some examples of exempt health plans:
- State Employee Health Plans (Health Choice)
- Self-Funded Employee Health Benefit Plans
- Federal Employees' Health Plan
- Medicare (traditional)
- Medicaid
Payment and Consequences
If a health insurance claim is not promptly paid, you may be entitled to interest on the overdue payment. Pursuant to 36 O.S. § 1219(F), (G), an overdue payment shall bear simple interest at the rate of 10% per year.
Additionally, you may be able to recover a reasonable attorney fee if litigation is brought and you are the prevailing party.
Consequences of Untimely Claim Payment
If a clean claim is not promptly paid, it can lead to serious consequences.
According to 36 O.S. § 1219(F), an overdue payment shall bear simple interest at the rate of 10% per year. This can result in significant additional costs for the party responsible for the delayed payment.
Litigation can be brought against the party responsible for the delayed payment, and if successful, the prevailing party is entitled to recover a reasonable attorney fee. This can be a costly mistake for businesses and individuals alike.
Health Insurance Claims Payment
Health insurance claims payment can be a complex and frustrating process, but understanding the rules can help you navigate it more smoothly.
Medical providers have 45 days after submitting a clean claim to wait for payment before filing a complaint with the Insurance Department.
Most health insurance companies and other types of health plans are subject to Oklahoma's prompt-pay law, which means they must pay claims in a timely manner.
If your claim is not a "clean claim", the insurer must notify you and the healthcare provider in writing within 30 calendar days, specifying the issue and what additional information is needed.
Healthcare providers must wait 45 days after submitting a clean claim before filing a complaint, even if the insurance company is taking a long time to pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the usual time that the insurance company is required to pay a claim?
The insurance company is required to pay a claim within 30 days after approving it. This timeline starts after they've decided on your claim within 40 days of receiving your completed proof of claim forms.
Sources
- https://insurance.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odi/companies/market-conduct/resources/prompt-pay-faqs
- https://www.oid.ok.gov/consumers/insurance-basics/prompt-pay-information/
- https://www.nj.gov/dobi/division_insurance/prompt11-22.htm
- https://www.azleg.gov/ars/20/03102.htm
- https://www.dfs.ny.gov/insurance/ogco2010/rg101217.htm
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