No. Health insurers have a legal obligation to promptly pay claims. Insurance Code §§ 10123.13
and 10123.147 require insurers to pay claims as soon as possible but no later than 30 working
days after receipt of a complete claim, unless the insurer notifies the provider in writing that the
claim has been denied or is being contested. Insurers must pay interest on a completed claim if
the claim has not been reimbursed, contested or denied within the 30 working-day deadline.11
Failure to comply with the claims handling deadlines in state law may also be considered an
unfair claims settlement practice under Insurance Code § 790.03(h). Providers should contact
the Department’s Provider Complaint Center if a health insurer is not paying claims in
compliance with these deadlines.