The Florida Medical Association (FMA) has announced plans to pursue legislation aimed at addressing what it describes as unfair insurance practices affecting physicians’ revenue. The organization highlighted two main issues: contractually-mandated credit card payments instead of electronic fund transfers, and retroactive denials where insurers initially authorize a service but later deny payment or seek to recoup funds due to changes in a patient’s coverage status, such as loss of employment-based insurance.
According to the FMA, these practices can result in financial losses for medical practices. “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 FMA stated.
The association is seeking input from physicians who have encountered these issues and is encouraging them to share their experiences. Physicians willing to testify before lawmakers in Tallahassee or speak with state representatives or senators are asked to contact Jarrod Fowler, FMA Director of Health Care Policy and Innovation, via email at jfowler@flmedical.org.
The FMA’s legislative push comes amid ongoing concerns about insurer payment policies and their impact on healthcare providers’ financial stability.
