Prompt-pay legislation: is it a solution?

Prompt-pay laws, whose purpose is to ensure prompt and equitable settlement of health care claims, have been enacted in 48 states and the District of Columbia. The laws were enacted in reaction to the growth of managed care plans, despite the fact they apply to all health plans. Are they working? The author explores this question in the context of New York State, although the lessons learned may be applied to any jurisdiction in which these statutes have been enacted.