Bill > S682

This bill aims to increase access to urgent care centers by requiring any medical assistance or benefits program where the state is the primary payer to cover urgent care services provided by licensed urgent care facilities for non-emergency medical conditions. The bill defines "urgent care" as medical services that are not primary care but are needed to treat a medical condition that is not life-threatening. The bill allows beneficiaries to receive urgent care services without prior authorization from their primary care provider, though the state or its designee may require the beneficiary to contact them or the primary care provider within 48 hours. The bill also prohibits the state from retroactively changing treatment or reimbursement decisions made in accordance with this new section, and ensures that no beneficiary is denied coverage for medical expenses incurred from using urgent care services.