AUGUSTA — The Maine House has endorsed a bill that aims to provide clarity to “narrow” health insurance provider networks that exclude some hospitals and doctors.
The Democratic-led House gave initial approval to Democratic Rep. Paul McGowan’s bill with a 92-48 vote on Monday
The measure would require carriers to disclose to consumers whether any hospitals or doctors are excluded from their network. Carriers would, upon request, also have to explain to providers why they weren’t included in their network.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Maine’s network on the Affordable Care Act exchange excludes six hospitals. It has drawn criticism from consumers and providers.
Anthem has said the narrow network enables it to offer premiums that cost 8 percent less than if it had crafted a broader network.
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