AN ACT REQUIRING IN-NETWORK RATES DURING HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRACT DISPUTES.

SB 1006 requires health insurance contracts between carriers and hospitals to include provisions ensuring patients receive continued care from in-network providers at in-network rates (including cost-sharing like copays) during disputes between insurers and hospitals. This directly affects patients, hospitals, and health insurers by preventing patients from facing higher out-of-network charges during billing conflicts. The key mechanism mandates that contracts explicitly cover ongoing treatment at in-network rates during such disputes, rather than shifting costs to patients. The bill does not alter coverage eligibility but ensures financial stability for patients during contractual disagreements.