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NEWSWATCH  in Kentucky

HB478 , sponsored by Rep. Jim Gooch was heard in the House Banking and Insurance Committee the week of March 2nd.

The bill  would change the law which currently allows a plaintiff to designate PIP benefits.  At present an individual that is in an automobile accident has the right to decide how their insurance claim monies would be used (either for lost wages or medical bills). 

HB 478 would would change this.  If a person were treated in an emergency situation, the health care provider would get the PIP benefits even if the injured person wanted to use it for lost wages or if the injured person wanted to utilize their personal health insurance to cover these medical expenses.

The bill also eliminates the presumption that medical bills are reasonable.  At present most healthcare insurance carriers negotiate with providers for lower costs.  Additionally, it requires bills for medical care to be submitted within 45 days or the PIP carrier is not required to pay them (and the injured person would be responsible for this debt in spite of the fact he/she may have excellent insurance).

At present, an insurance company may request a defense medical examination to challenge evaluations and diagnoses made by a patient primary care physician.  Under court order an injured individual may be required to have this additional exam.  This bill allows the insurance company to require a defense medical examination without a court order.

After 45 minutes of testimony this week from both the proponents and the opponents, the sponsor decided to pass over the bill this week. There were great questions from committee members during the hearing that raised serious problems with the bill. However, this bill may be brought to committee again.  Please let your representatives know how this will affect you and your ability to care for yourself and your family.  Call today!!

Kentucky Legislators move to protect patients as-

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SB183 introduced by Senator McGaha this session looks to be the silver bullet that may just create change for patients in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  In a hearing this week, Senator McGaha and Dr. Kevin Kavanagh spoke of the problem in our state with hospital acquired infections.  They explained to committee members the financial burden that these infections had on the healthcare system as well as the personal loss the consumers of Kentucky face. 

Though this bill was not voted on, it was agreed by opponents and proponnets that mandatory reporting of infection rates and surveillance cultures have led to declining numbers of hospital acquired infections in numerous facilities.  Additionally, opponents of the bill admitted that the language of SB 183 was consistent with federal policy and procedure implemented by the VA healthcare system.  Though the program of reporting and obtaining admission and discharge cultures on patients in newly implemented system wide, it is following a 4 year study in the University of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh VA that led to considerable decrease in infection rates. 

Please contact your Senator and request support for this very important bill.  Also, contact Senator McGaha and thank him for taking a huge step toward establishing a transparent healthcare environment for all consumers in the state.

Ask your legislator the role of Joint Commission in licensure of Kentucky healthcare facilities