HB 1812: Anesthesia services

Summary

• Requires health carriers, health plans offered to public employees, the Health Care Authority (HCA), and Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) (collectively covered health plans) to provide coverage for necessary anesthesia services for any procedure covered by the health plan, regardless of the duration of anesthesia care and prohibits the imposition of arbitrary time limits or any other cap on reimbursement for anesthesia services.
• Prohibits covered health plans from making a distinction or implementing policies or practices concerning verification of practice competency, coverage, billing codes, billing modifiers, compensation, or reimbursement if the physician or certified registered nurse anesthetist is acting within the scope of their practice.
• Prohibits covered health plans from discriminating against any health care provider providing anesthesia services located within the plan's geographic coverage area and willing to meet the carrier's terms and conditions for participation.
• Authorizes the Insurance Commissioner to take additional enforcement actions against health carriers for violations and requires health carriers to provide restitution to affected health care providers and enrollees, including compensatory payments for any financial losses incurred.

From the House Bill Analysis 2026 (HB 1812), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗