A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to require THAT Health benefit plans allow an insured to assign benefits to out‑of‑network health care providers.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Article 3 of Chapter 58 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 85‑3‑226.  Health benefit plans allow assignment of benefits to out‑of‑network providers.
(a)	Every insurer providing a health benefit plan shall affirmatively allow the insurer's insured to assign the insured's benefits to a health care provider or a health care facility for payment for services rendered. In order to be valid, the assignment must be in writing and acknowledged by both the insured and the provider or the facility. The term of an assignment under this section may not exceed one year in duration.
(b)	The following definitions apply in this section:
(1)	Health benefit plan. – As defined in G.S. 58‑3‑167. The phrase also applies to limited‑scope dental and vision insurance.
(2)	Health care facility or facility. – As defined in G.S. 58‑3‑225(a)(3).
(3)	Health care provider or provider. – As defined in G.S. 58‑3‑225(a)(4).
(4)	Insurer. – As defined in G.S. 58‑3‑225(a)(5)."
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective October 1, 2015, and applies to health benefit contracts issued, renewed, or amended on or after that date.