Since which year have providers been encouraged to send claims electronically?

The correct answer is 1996. In 1996, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was enacted in the United States, which set a foundation for the electronic exchange of healthcare data. This legislation aimed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system, including encouraging providers to submit claims electronically rather than using paper forms. The adoption of electronic claims processing is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and improve patient care.

The years mentioned in the other options came after this pivotal moment when HIPAA began to influence the digital aspects of healthcare administration. Each subsequent year had regulations and guidelines that further promoted the electronic handling of claims but didn’t mark the initial encouragement to do so.