Assembly Actions -
Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE |
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Jun 20, 2012 |
referred to insurance delivered to assembly passed senate ordered to third reading cal.1424 |
Jun 17, 2012 |
referred to rules |
Senate Bill S7745
2011-2012 Legislative Session
Establishes protections to prevent surprise medical bills
download bill text pdfSponsored By
(R, C, IP) Senate District
Archive: Last Bill Status - In Assembly Committee
- Introduced
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- In Committee Assembly
- In Committee Senate
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- On Floor Calendar Assembly
- On Floor Calendar Senate
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- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- Delivered to Governor
- Signed By Governor
Actions
Votes
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Floor Vote: Jun 20, 2012
aye (55)- Adams
- Addabbo Jr.
- Alesi
- Avella
- Ball
- Bonacic
- Breslin
- Carlucci
- DeFrancisco
- Diaz
- Dilan
- Duane
- Farley
- Flanagan
- Fuschillo
- Gallivan
- Gianaris
- Golden
- Grisanti
- Hannon
- Hassell-Thompson
- Johnson
- Kennedy
- Klein
- Krueger
- LaValle
- Lanza
- Larkin
- Libous
- Little
- Marcellino
- Martins
- Maziarz
- McDonald
- Montgomery
- Oppenheimer
- Parker
- Peralta
- Perkins
- Ranzenhofer
- Ritchie
- Rivera
- Robach
- Saland
- Sampson
- Savino
- Serrano
- Skelos
- Smith
- Squadron
- Stavisky
- Stewart-Cousins
- Storobin
- Valesky
- Zeldin
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Jun 20, 2012 - Rules Committee Vote
S774524Aye0Nay1Aye with Reservations0Absent0Excused0Abstained -
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co-Sponsors
(R, C, IP) Senate District
2011-S7745 (ACTIVE) - Details
- Current Committee:
- Assembly Insurance
- Law Section:
- Insurance Law
- Laws Affected:
- Amd Ins L, generally; add §§23 & 24, amd §§4408, 4900, 4903, 4904, 4910 & 4914, Pub Health L; add Art 7 §§701 - 704, Fin Serv L
- Versions Introduced in 2013-2014 Legislative Session:
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S2551
2011-S7745 (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo
BILL NUMBER:S7745 TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the insurance law, the public health law and the financial services law, in relation to establishing protections to prevent surprise medical bills including network adequacy requirements, claim submission requirements, adequacy of and access to out-of-network care and prohibition of excessive emergency charges; and providing for the repeal of certain provisions upon expiration thereof PURPOSE: This bill establishes consumer protections from surprise medical bills by: requiring certain disclosures from insurers, heal th care providers and hospitals; requiring adequate access to care; establishing a minimum reimbursement for out-of-network services; and, prohibiting excessive emergency room charges. SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS: Section one amends Insurance Law §3217-a(a) to make several conforming changes and require insurers to provide several additional disclosures. For all policies offering out-of-network coverage pursuant to §3420(b)&(c) of this article, the insurer must provide a clear
description of the methodology used by the insurer to determine reimbursement for out-of-network health care services, including a description of the amount set forth as a percentage of the usual and customary cost for out-of-network health care services and examples of anticipated out-of-pocket costs. Section two amends Insurance Law §3217-a(b) to require the insurer to disclose, upon request, whether a health care provider schedule d to perform services is in-network, the dollar amount the insurer will pay for specific out-of-network services and information permitting an insured or prospective insured to determine anticipated out-of-pocket costs for out-of-network services in a geographical area, based upon the difference the insurer will reimburse and the usual and customary cost. Section three amends Insurance Law §3217-a(f) to define the usual and customary cost as the eightieth percentile of all charges for a particular health care service performed in the same or similar specialty and provided in the same geographical area as reported by FAIR Health, Inc. Section four amends Insurance Law §3217-d(d) to provide that comprehensive policies under this article must provide access to out-of-network services if there is no in-network provider. Section five amends Insurance Law §3224-a to require an insurer, a corporation or organization under Article 43 or Article 47 of this chapter and HMOs under Article 44 of the Public Health Law to accept claims submitted through the internet, e-mail or fax. Section six adds a new §3240 to the Insurance Law. Section 3240(a) requires that an insurer, a corporation organized pursuant to Article 43 and a municipal cooperative health benefit plan under Article 47 of this chapter to maintain an adequate network. Sections 3240(b) & (c) requires an insurer, a corporation organized pursuant to Article 43, a municipal cooperative health benefit plan certified under Article 47 of this chapter and an HMO under article 44 of the Public Health Law to provide: 1) significant coverage of the usual and customary cost of out-of-network services; and 2) to offer at least one policy or contract option in each geographical region covered that provides coverage for at least 80% of the usual and customary cost of out-of-network health care services, after imposition of a deductible. Section seven amends Insurance Law §4306-c to require Article 43 corporations and municipal cooperative health benefit plans certified pursuant to Article 47 that utilize a network of providers to provide access to out-of-network services. Section eight amends Insurance Law §4324 to make the changes outlined in section one of this bill to Article 43 corporations. Section nine amends Insurance Law §4324 to make the changes outlined in section two of this bill applicable to Article 4.3 corporations. Section ten amends Insurance Law §4324 to define the usual and customary cost for purposes of this section. Sections 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 amend Article 49 of the Insurance Law to establish a procedure for the review and appeal of denials of out-of-network referrals. Section 16 adds a new Public Health Law §23 to require physicians to submit a claim form with a patient bill. Section 17 adds new §24 to the Public Health Law to require health care professionals and hospitals to provide certain disclosures. Section 18 amends Public Health Law §4408 to provide the same disclosures detailed in section one and eight of this bill applicable to HMOs. Section 19 amends Public Health Law §4408 make the same changes provided in section two and nine of this bill applicable to HMOs. Section 20 amends Public Health Law §4408 to define the usual and customary cost of out-of-network services. Section 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 amends Article 49 of the Public Health Law to establish a procedure for the review and appeal of denials of out-of-network referrals. Section 26 amends the Financial Services Law to establish a new Article 7 to prohibit excessive charges for emergency services. This article establishes a binding dispute resolution process and criteria for determining what constitutes excessive charges. Section 27 provides that this act shall take effect on January 1, 2013, provided, however, that: 1) policies renewed on and after such date this act shall take effect on the renewal date; 2) sections 12, 16, 17, 22 and 26 shall apply to health care services provided on and after such date and section 26 shall be deemed repealed on January 1, 2015; and 3) sections 11, 13, 14, 15, 21, 23, 24 and 25 of this act shall apply to denials issued on and after such date. JUSTIFICATION: Some consumers choose health insurance policies that permit them to receive care from a nonparticipating provider because it permits them to see the health care provider of their choice. However, this system has been fraught with problems. In February 2008, then Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo commenced suit against Ingenix, Inc., a subsidiary of United Health Group, asserting that the rates found in the database were lower than the actual cost of medical expenses. According to the suit, this allowed health insurance companies to deny a portion of provider claims, thereby pushing costs down to members. In January 2009, United Health Group reached a settlement with the Attorney General whereby they agreed to pay $50 million to fund a not-for-profit entity to develop a new, independent product to replace its database. As a result, FAIR Health, Inc. was established with the mission of ensuring transparency in health care costs. The FAIR Health database is now operational for reporting medical charge data. However, since the fall of Ingenix, a number of insurers have begun using Medicare rates as the benchmark for determining reimbursement of out-of-network costs. This often results in what some deem to be inadequate reimbursement. This legislation is intended to ensure that the FAIR Health database is appropriately utilized. The New York Times recently reported an instance in which a patient was billed $2,800 for half an hour of anesthesia provided by an out-of-network anesthesiologist during a routine colonoscopy provided by a participating provider. The Department of Financial Services recently released a report detailing the challenges consumers face with unexpected medical billings. This legislation would address these concerns by requiring certain disclosures by health care providers, hospitals and insurers to prevent surprise medical bills. This bill also protects consumers by ensuring they have adequate access to in-network services, with the capability to go out-of-network in the event there is no in-network provider. Furthermore, this legislation protects consumers from excessive charges for emergency services. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: New bill. FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: None. EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2013 with certain provisions.
2011-S7745 (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf
S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K ________________________________________________________________________ 7745 I N S E N A T E June 17, 2012 ___________ Introduced by Sen. HANNON -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Rules AN ACT to amend the insurance law, the public health law and the finan- cial services law, in relation to establishing protections to prevent surprise medical bills including network adequacy requirements, claim submission requirements, adequacy of and access to out-of-network care and prohibition of excessive emergency charges; and providing for the repeal of certain provisions upon expiration thereof THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM- BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 14, 16 and 17 of subsection (a) of section 3217-a of the insurance law, as added by chapter 705 of the laws of 1996, are amended and three new paragraphs 16-a, 18 and 19 are added to read as follows: (11) where applicable, notice that an insured enrolled in a managed care product OR A COMPREHENSIVE POLICY THAT UTILIZES A NETWORK OF PROVIDERS offered by the insurer may obtain a referral to a health care provider outside of the insurer's network or panel when the insurer does not have a health care provider with appropriate training and experience in the network or panel to meet the particular health care needs of the insured and the procedure by which the insured can obtain such referral; (12) where applicable, notice that an insured enrolled in a managed care product OR A COMPREHENSIVE POLICY THAT UTILIZES A NETWORK OF PROVIDERS offered by the insurer with a condition which requires ongoing care from a specialist may request a standing referral to such a specialist and the procedure for requesting and obtaining such a stand- ing referral; (13) where applicable, notice that an insured enrolled in a managed care product OR A COMPREHENSIVE POLICY THAT UTILIZES A NETWORK OF PROVIDERS offered by the insurer with (i) a life-threatening condition or disease, or (ii) a degenerative and disabling condition or disease, either of which requires specialized medical care over a prolonged peri- od of time may request a specialist responsible for providing or coordi- EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets [ ] is old law to be omitted. LBD16282-02-2
S. 7745 2 nating the insured's medical care and the procedure for requesting and obtaining such a specialist; (14) where applicable, notice that an insured enrolled in a managed care product OR A COMPREHENSIVE POLICY THAT UTILIZES A NETWORK OF PROVIDERS offered by the insurer with (i) a life-threatening condition or disease, or (ii) a degenerative and disabling condition or disease, either of which requires specialized medical care over a prolonged peri- od of time, may request access to a specialty care center and the proce- dure by which such access may be obtained; (16) notice of all appropriate mailing addresses and telephone numbers to be utilized by insureds seeking information or authorization; [and] (16-A) WHERE APPLICABLE, NOTICE THAT AN INSURED SHALL HAVE DIRECT ACCESS TO PRIMARY AND PREVENTIVE OBSTETRIC AND GYNECOLOGIC SERVICES INCLUDING ANNUAL EXAMINATIONS, CARE RESULTING FROM SUCH ANNUAL EXAMINA- TIONS, AND TREATMENT OF ACUTE GYNECOLOGIC CONDITIONS, FROM A QUALIFIED PROVIDER OF SUCH SERVICES OF HER CHOICE FROM WITHIN THE PLAN OR FOR ANY CARE RELATED TO A PREGNANCY; (17) where applicable, a listing by specialty, which may be in a sepa- rate document that is updated annually, of the name, address, and tele- phone number of all participating providers, including facilities, and in addition, in the case of physicians, board certification[.], LANGUAGES SPOKEN AND AFFILIATION WITH PARTICIPATING HOSPITALS. THE LIST- ING SHALL ALSO BE POSTED ON THE INSURER'S WEBSITE AND THE INSURER SHALL UPDATE THE WEBSITE WITHIN FIFTEEN DAYS OF THE ADDITION OR TERMINATION OF A PROVIDER FROM THE INSURER'S NETWORK OR A CHANGE IN A PHYSICIAN'S HOSPITAL AFFILIATION; (18) A DESCRIPTION OF THE METHOD BY WHICH AN INSURED MAY SUBMIT A CLAIM FOR HEALTH CARE SERVICES, INCLUDING THROUGH THE INTERNET, ELEC- TRONIC MAIL OR BY FACSIMILE; AND (19) WHERE APPLICABLE, WHEN A POLICY OFFERS OUT-OF-NETWORK COVERAGE PURSUANT TO SUBSECTIONS (B) AND (C) OF SECTION THIRTY-TWO HUNDRED FORTY OF THIS ARTICLE: (A) A CLEAR DESCRIPTION OF THE METHODOLOGY USED BY THE INSURER TO DETERMINE REIMBURSEMENT FOR OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICES; (B) A DESCRIPTION OF THE AMOUNT THAT THE INSURER WILL REIMBURSE UNDER THE METHODOLOGY FOR OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICES SET FORTH AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE USUAL AND CUSTOMARY COST FOR OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICES; AND (C) EXAMPLES OF ANTICIPATED OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS FOR FREQUENTLY BILLED OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICES. S 2. Paragraphs 11 and 12 of subsection (b) of section 3217-a of the insurance law, as added by chapter 705 of the laws of 1996, are amended and three new paragraphs 13, 14 and 15 are added to read as follows: (11) where applicable, provide the written application procedures and minimum qualification requirements for health care providers to be considered by the insurer for participation in the insurer's network for a managed care product; [and] (12) disclose such other information as required by the superinten- dent, provided that such requirements are promulgated pursuant to the state administrative procedure act[.]; (13) DISCLOSE WHETHER A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER SCHEDULED TO PROVIDE A HEALTH CARE SERVICE IS AN IN-NETWORK PROVIDER; (14) WHERE APPLICABLE, WITH RESPECT TO OUT-OF-NETWORK COVERAGE, DISCLOSE THE DOLLAR AMOUNT THAT THE INSURER WILL PAY FOR A SPECIFIC OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICE; AND S. 7745 3 (15) PROVIDE INFORMATION IN WRITING AND THROUGH AN INTERNET WEBSITE THAT REASONABLY PERMITS AN INSURED OR PROSPECTIVE INSURED TO DETERMINE THE ANTICIPATED OUT-OF-POCKET COST FOR OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICES IN A GEOGRAPHICAL AREA OR ZIP CODE BASED UPON THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHAT THE INSURER WILL REIMBURSE FOR OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND THE USUAL AND CUSTOMARY COST FOR OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICES. S 3. Section 3217-a of the insurance law is amended by adding a new subsection (f) to read as follows: (F) FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "USUAL AND CUSTOMARY COST" SHALL MEAN THE EIGHTIETH PERCENTILE OF ALL CHARGES FOR THE PARTICULAR HEALTH CARE SERVICE PERFORMED BY A PROVIDER IN THE SAME OR SIMILAR SPECIALTY AND PROVIDED IN THE SAME GEOGRAPHICAL AREA AS REPORTED IN A BENCHMARKING DATABASE MAINTAINED BY A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION SPECIFIED BY THE SUPER- INTENDENT. THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION SHALL NOT BE AFFILIATED WITH AN INSURER, A CORPORATION SUBJECT TO ARTICLE FORTY-THREE OF THIS CHAPTER, A MUNICIPAL COOPERATIVE HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN CERTIFIED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-SEVEN OF THIS CHAPTER, OR A HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION CERTI- FIED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-FOUR OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH LAW. S 4. Section 3217-d of the insurance law is amended by adding a new subsection (d) to read as follows: (D) AN INSURER THAT ISSUES A COMPREHENSIVE POLICY THAT UTILIZES A NETWORK OF PROVIDERS AND IS NOT A MANAGED CARE HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRACT AS DEFINED IN SUBSECTION (C) OF SECTION FOUR THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED ONE OF THIS CHAPTER, SHALL PROVIDE ACCESS TO OUT-OF-NETWORK SERVICES CONSISTENT WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF SUBSECTION (A) OF SECTION FOUR THOU- SAND EIGHT HUNDRED FOUR OF THIS CHAPTER, SUBSECTIONS (G-6) AND (G-7) OF SECTION FOUR THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED OF THIS CHAPTER, SUBSECTIONS (A-1) AND (A-2) OF SECTION FOUR THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED FOUR OF THIS CHAPTER, PARAGRAPHS THREE AND FOUR OF SUBSECTION (B) OF SECTION FOUR THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED TEN OF THIS CHAPTER, AND SUBPARAGRAPHS (C) AND (D) OF PARA- GRAPH FOUR OF SUBSECTION (B) OF SECTION FOUR THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED FOUR- TEEN OF THIS CHAPTER. S 5. Section 3224-a of the insurance law is amended by adding a new subsection (i) to read as follows: (I) AN INSURER OR AN ORGANIZATION OR CORPORATION LICENSED OR CERTIFIED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-THREE OR FORTY-SEVEN OF THIS CHAPTER OR ARTI- CLE FORTY-FOUR OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH LAW SHALL ACCEPT CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY A POLICYHOLDER OR COVERED PERSON THROUGH THE INTERNET, ELECTRONIC MAIL OR BY FACSIMILE. S 6. The insurance law is amended by adding a new section 3240 to read as follows: S 3240. NETWORK COVERAGE. (A) AN INSURER, A CORPORATION ORGANIZED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-THREE OF THIS CHAPTER, OR A MUNICIPAL COOPER- ATIVE HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN CERTIFIED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-SEVEN OF THIS CHAPTER THAT ISSUES A HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY OR CONTRACT WITH A NETWORK OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS SHALL ENSURE THAT THE NETWORK IS ADEQUATE TO MEET THE HEALTH NEEDS OF INSUREDS AND PROVIDE AN APPROPRIATE CHOICE OF PROVIDERS SUFFICIENT TO RENDER THE SERVICES COVERED UNDER THE POLICY OR CONTRACT. THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL REVIEW THE NETWORK OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS FOR ADEQUACY AT THE TIME OF THE SUPERINTENDENT'S INITIAL APPROVAL OF A HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY OR CONTRACT; AT LEAST EVERY THREE YEARS THEREAFTER; AND UPON APPLICATION FOR EXPANSION OF ANY SERVICE AREA ASSOCIATED WITH THE POLICY OR CONTRACT. TO THE EXTENT THAT THE NETWORK HAS BEEN DETERMINED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH TO MEET THE STANDARDS SET FORTH IN SUBDIVISION FIVE OF SECTION FOUR THOUSAND S. 7745 4 FOUR HUNDRED THREE OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH LAW, SUCH NETWORK SHALL BE DEEMED ADEQUATE BY THE SUPERINTENDENT. (B) AN INSURER, A CORPORATION ORGANIZED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-THREE OF THIS CHAPTER, A MUNICIPAL COOPERATIVE HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN CERTIFIED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-SEVEN OF THIS CHAPTER, OR A HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION CERTIFIED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-FOUR OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH LAW, THAT PROVIDES COVERAGE FOR OUT-OF-NETWORK SERVICES SHALL PROVIDE SIGNIFICANT COVERAGE OF THE USUAL AND CUSTOMARY COSTS OF OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICES. (C) AN INSURER, A CORPORATION ORGANIZED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-THREE OF THIS CHAPTER, A MUNICIPAL COOPERATIVE HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN CERTIFIED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-SEVEN OF THIS CHAPTER, OR A HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION CERTIFIED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-FOUR OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH LAW, THAT PROVIDES COVERAGE FOR OUT-OF-NETWORK SERVICES SHALL OFFER AT LEAST ONE POLICY OR CONTRACT OPTION IN EACH GEOGRAPHICAL REGION COVERED THAT PROVIDES COVERAGE FOR AT LEAST EIGHTY PERCENT OF THE USUAL AND CUSTOMARY COST OF OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICES AFTER IMPOSITION OF A DEDUCTIBLE. (D) FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION "USUAL AND CUSTOMARY COST" SHALL MEAN THE EIGHTIETH PERCENTILE OF ALL CHARGES FOR THE PARTICULAR HEALTH CARE SERVICE PERFORMED BY A PROVIDER IN THE SAME OR SIMILAR SPECIALTY AND PROVIDED IN THE SAME GEOGRAPHICAL AREA AS REPORTED IN A BENCHMARKING DATABASE MAINTAINED BY A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION SPECIFIED BY THE SUPER- INTENDENT. THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION SHALL NOT BE AFFILIATED WITH AN INSURER, A CORPORATION SUBJECT TO ARTICLE FORTY-THREE OF THIS ARTICLE, A MUNICIPAL COOPERATIVE HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN CERTIFIED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-SEVEN OF THIS CHAPTER, OR A HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION CERTI- FIED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-FOUR OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH LAW. S 7. Section 4306-c of the insurance law is amended by adding a new subsection (d) to read as follows: (D) A CORPORATION, INCLUDING A MUNICIPAL COOPERATIVE HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN CERTIFIED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-SEVEN OF THIS CHAPTER, THAT ISSUES A COMPREHENSIVE POLICY THAT UTILIZES A NETWORK OF PROVIDERS AND IS NOT A MANAGED CARE HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRACT AS DEFINED IN SUBSECTION (C) OF SECTION FOUR THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED ONE OF THIS CHAPTER, SHALL PROVIDE ACCESS TO OUT-OF-NETWORK SERVICES CONSISTENT WITH THE REQUIRE- MENTS OF SUBSECTION (A) OF SECTION FOUR THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED FOUR OF THIS CHAPTER, SUBSECTIONS (G-6) AND (G-7) OF SECTION FOUR THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED OF THIS CHAPTER, SUBSECTIONS (A-1) AND (A-2) OF SECTION FOUR THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED FOUR OF THIS CHAPTER, PARAGRAPHS THREE AND FOUR OF SUBSECTION (B) OF SECTION FOUR THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED TEN OF THIS CHAP- TER, AND SUBPARAGRAPHS (C) AND (D) OF PARAGRAPH FOUR OF SUBSECTION (B) OF SECTION FOUR THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED FOURTEEN OF THIS CHAPTER. S 8. Paragraphs 11, 12, 13, 14, 16-a, 17, and 18 of subsection (a) of section 4324 of the insurance law, as added by chapter 705 of the laws of 1996, paragraph 16-a as added by chapter 554 of the laws of 2002, are amended and two new paragraphs 19 and 20 are added to read as follows: (11) where applicable, notice that a subscriber enrolled in a managed care product OR A COMPREHENSIVE CONTRACT THAT UTILIZES A NETWORK OF PROVIDERS offered by the corporation may obtain a referral to a health care provider outside of the corporation's network or panel when the corporation does not have a health care provider with appropriate train- ing and experience in the network or panel to meet the particular health care needs of the subscriber and the procedure by which the subscriber can obtain such referral; S. 7745 5 (12) where applicable, notice that a subscriber enrolled in a managed care product OR A COMPREHENSIVE CONTRACT THAT UTILIZES A NETWORK OF PROVIDERS offered by the corporation with a condition which requires ongoing care from a specialist may request a standing referral to such a specialist and the procedure for requesting and obtaining such a stand- ing referral; (13) where applicable, notice that a subscriber enrolled in a managed care product OR A COMPREHENSIVE CONTRACT THAT UTILIZES A NETWORK OF PROVIDERS offered by the corporation with (i) a life-threatening condi- tion or disease, or (ii) a degenerative and disabling condition or disease, either of which requires specialized medical care over a prolonged period of time may request a specialist responsible for providing or coordinating the subscriber's medical care and the proce- dure for requesting and obtaining such a specialist; (14) where applicable, notice that a subscriber enrolled in a managed care product OR A COMPREHENSIVE CONTRACT THAT UTILIZES A NETWORK OF PROVIDERS offered by the corporation with (i) a life-threatening condi- tion or disease, or (ii) a degenerative and disabling condition or disease, either of which requires specialized medical care over a prolonged period of time may request access to a specialty care center and the procedure by which such access may be obtained; (16-a) where applicable, notice that an enrollee shall have direct access to primary and preventive obstetric and gynecologic services INCLUDING ANNUAL EXAMINATIONS, CARE RESULTING FROM SUCH ANNUAL EXAMINA- TIONS, AND TREATMENT OF ACUTE GYNECOLOGIC CONDITIONS, from a qualified provider of such services of her choice from within the plan [for no fewer than two examinations annually for such services] or [to] FOR any care related to A pregnancy [and that additionally, the enrollee shall have direct access to primary and preventive obstetric and gynecologic services required as a result of such annual examinations or as a result of an acute gynecologic condition]; (17) where applicable, a listing by specialty, which may be in a sepa- rate document that is updated annually, of the name, address, and tele- phone number of all participating providers, including facilities, and in addition, in the case of physicians, board certification[; and], LANGUAGES SPOKEN AND AFFILIATION WITH PARTICIPATING HOSPITALS. THE LISTING SHALL ALSO BE POSTED ON THE CORPORATION'S WEBSITE AND THE CORPO- RATION SHALL UPDATE THE WEBSITE WITHIN FIFTEEN DAYS OF THE ADDITION OR TERMINATION OF A PROVIDER FROM THE CORPORATION'S NETWORK OR A CHANGE IN A PHYSICIAN'S HOSPITAL AFFILIATION; (18) a description of the mechanisms by which subscribers may partic- ipate in the development of the policies of the corporation[.]; (19) A DESCRIPTION OF THE METHOD BY WHICH A SUBSCRIBER MAY SUBMIT A CLAIM FOR HEALTH CARE SERVICES, INCLUDING THROUGH THE INTERNET, ELEC- TRONIC MAIL OR BY FACSIMILE; AND (20) WHERE APPLICABLE, WHEN A CONTRACT OFFERS OUT-OF-NETWORK COVERAGE PURSUANT TO SUBSECTIONS (B) AND (C) OF SECTION THIRTY-TWO HUNDRED FORTY OF THIS CHAPTER: (A) A CLEAR DESCRIPTION OF THE METHODOLOGY USED BY THE CORPORATION TO DETERMINE REIMBURSEMENT FOR OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICES; (B) A DESCRIPTION OF THE AMOUNT THAT THE CORPORATION WILL REIMBURSE UNDER THE METHODOLOGY FOR OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICES SET FORTH AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE USUAL AND CUSTOMARY COST FOR OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICES; AND (C) EXAMPLES OF ANTICIPATED OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS FOR FREQUENTLY BILLED OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICES. S. 7745 6 S 9. Paragraphs 11 and 12 of subsection (b) of section 4324 of the insurance law, as added by chapter 705 of the laws of 1996, are amended and three new paragraphs 13, 14 and 15 are added to read as follows: (11) where applicable, provide the written application procedures and minimum qualification requirements for health care providers to be considered by the corporation for participation in the corporation's network for a managed care product; [and] (12) disclose such other information as required by the superinten- dent, provided that such requirements are promulgated pursuant to the state administrative procedure act[.]; (13) DISCLOSE WHETHER A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER SCHEDULED TO PROVIDE A HEALTH CARE SERVICE IS AN IN-NETWORK PROVIDER; (14) WHERE APPLICABLE, WITH RESPECT TO OUT-OF-NETWORK COVERAGE, DISCLOSE THE DOLLAR AMOUNT THAT THE CORPORATION WILL PAY FOR A SPECIFIC OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICE; AND (15) PROVIDE INFORMATION IN WRITING AND THROUGH AN INTERNET WEBSITE THAT REASONABLY PERMITS A SUBSCRIBER OR PROSPECTIVE SUBSCRIBER TO DETER- MINE THE ANTICIPATED OUT-OF-POCKET COST FOR OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICES IN A GEOGRAPHICAL AREA OR ZIP CODE BASED UPON THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHAT THE CORPORATION WILL REIMBURSE FOR OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND THE USUAL AND CUSTOMARY COST FOR OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICES. S 10. Section 4324 of the insurance law is amended by adding a new subsection (f) to read as follows: (F) FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "USUAL AND CUSTOMARY COST" SHALL MEAN THE EIGHTIETH PERCENTILE OF ALL CHARGES FOR THE PARTICULAR HEALTH CARE SERVICE PERFORMED BY A PROVIDER IN THE SAME OR SIMILAR SPECIALTY AND PROVIDED IN THE SAME GEOGRAPHICAL AREA AS REPORTED IN A BENCHMARKING DATABASE MAINTAINED BY A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION SPECIFIED BY THE SUPER- INTENDENT. THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION SHALL NOT BE AFFILIATED WITH AN INSURER, A CORPORATION SUBJECT TO THIS ARTICLE, A MUNICIPAL COOPERATIVE HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN CERTIFIED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-SEVEN OF THIS CHAPTER, OR A HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION CERTIFIED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-FOUR OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH LAW. S 11. Subsection (g-7) of section 4900 of the insurance law is redes- ignated subsection (g-8) and a new subsection (g-7) is added to read as follows: (G-7) "OUT-OF-NETWORK REFERRAL DENIAL" MEANS A DENIAL UNDER A MANAGED CARE PRODUCT AS DEFINED IN SUBSECTION (C) OF SECTION FOUR THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED ONE OF THIS CHAPTER OF A REQUEST FOR AN AUTHORIZATION OR REFER- RAL TO AN OUT-OF-NETWORK PROVIDER ON THE BASIS THAT THE HEALTH CARE PLAN HAS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IN THE IN-NETWORK BENEFITS PORTION OF ITS NETWORK WITH APPROPRIATE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE TO MEET THE PARTICULAR HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF AN INSURED, AND WHO IS ABLE TO PROVIDE THE REQUESTED HEALTH SERVICE. THE NOTICE OF A DENIAL OF AN OUT-OF-NETWORK REFERRAL PROVIDED TO AN INSURED SHALL INCLUDE INFORMATION EXPLAINING WHAT INFORMATION THE INSURED MUST SUBMIT IN ORDER TO APPEAL THE DENIAL OF AN OUT-OF-NETWORK REFERRAL PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (A-2) OF SECTION FOUR THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED FOUR OF THIS ARTICLE. A DENIAL OF AN OUT-OF- NETWORK REFERRAL UNDER THIS SUBSECTION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ADVERSE DETERMINATION AS DEFINED IN THIS ARTICLE. A DENIAL OF AN OUT-OF-NETWORK REFERRAL SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED TO INCLUDE AN OUT-OF-NETWORK DENIAL AS DEFINED IN SUBSECTION (G-6) OF THIS SECTION. S 12. Subsection (b) of section 4903 of the insurance law, as added by chapter 705 of the laws of 1996, is amended to read as follows: S. 7745 7 (b) A utilization review agent shall make a utilization review deter- mination involving health care services which require pre-authorization and provide notice of a determination to the insured or insured's desig- nee and the insured's health care provider by telephone and in writing within three business days of receipt of the necessary information. THE NOTIFICATION SHALL IDENTIFY WHETHER THE SERVICES ARE CONSIDERED IN-NET- WORK OR OUT-OF-NETWORK. S 13. Section 4904 of the insurance law is amended by adding a new subsection (a-2) to read as follows: (A-2) AN INSURED OR THE INSURED'S DESIGNEE MAY APPEAL A DENIAL OF AN OUT-OF-NETWORK REFERRAL BY A HEALTH CARE PLAN BY SUBMITTING A WRITTEN STATEMENT FROM THE INSURED'S ATTENDING PHYSICIAN, WHO MUST BE A LICENSED, BOARD CERTIFIED OR BOARD ELIGIBLE PHYSICIAN QUALIFIED TO PRAC- TICE IN THE SPECIALTY AREA OF PRACTICE APPROPRIATE TO TREAT THE INSURED FOR THE HEALTH SERVICE SOUGHT THAT: (1) THE IN-NETWORK HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OR PROVIDERS RECOMMENDED BY THE HEALTH CARE PLAN DO NOT HAVE THE APPROPRIATE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE TO MEET THE PARTICULAR HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF THE INSURED FOR THE HEALTH SERVICE; AND (2) RECOMMENDS AN OUT-OF-NETWORK PROVIDER WITH THE APPROPRIATE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE TO MEET THE PARTICULAR HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF THE INSURED, AND WHO IS ABLE TO PROVIDE THE REQUESTED HEALTH SERVICE. S 14. Subsection (b) of section 4910 of the insurance law is amended by adding a new paragraph 4 to read as follows: (4)(A) THE INSURED HAS HAD AN OUT-OF-NETWORK REFERRAL DENIED ON THE GROUNDS THAT THE HEALTH CARE PLAN HAS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IN THE IN-NETWORK BENEFITS PORTION OF ITS NETWORK WITH APPROPRIATE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE TO MEET THE PARTICULAR HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF AN INSURED, AND WHO IS ABLE TO PROVIDE THE REQUESTED HEALTH SERVICE. (B) THE INSURED'S ATTENDING PHYSICIAN, WHO SHALL BE A LICENSED, BOARD CERTIFIED OR BOARD ELIGIBLE PHYSICIAN QUALIFIED TO PRACTICE IN THE SPECIALTY AREA OF PRACTICE APPROPRIATE TO TREAT THE INSURED FOR THE HEALTH SERVICE SOUGHT, CERTIFIES THAT THE IN-NETWORK HEALTH CARE PROVID- ER OR PROVIDERS RECOMMENDED BY THE HEALTH CARE PLAN DO NOT HAVE THE APPROPRIATE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE TO MEET THE PARTICULAR HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF AN INSURED, AND RECOMMENDS AN OUT-OF-NETWORK PROVIDER WITH THE APPROPRIATE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE TO MEET THE PARTICULAR HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF AN INSURED, AND WHO IS ABLE TO PROVIDE THE REQUESTED HEALTH SERVICE. S 15. Paragraph 4 of subsection (b) of section 4914 of the insurance law is amended by adding a new subparagraph (D) to read as follows: (D) FOR EXTERNAL APPEALS REQUESTED PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH FOUR OF SUBSECTION (B) OF SECTION FOUR THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED TEN OF THIS TITLE RELATING TO AN OUT-OF-NETWORK REFERRAL, THE EXTERNAL APPEAL AGENT SHALL REVIEW THE UTILIZATION REVIEW AGENT'S FINAL ADVERSE DETERMINATION AND, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE, SHALL MAKE A DETERMI- NATION AS TO WHETHER THE OUT-OF-NETWORK REFERRAL SHALL BE COVERED BY THE HEALTH PLAN; PROVIDED THAT SUCH DETERMINATION SHALL: (I) BE CONDUCTED ONLY BY ONE OR A GREATER ODD NUMBER OF CLINICAL PEER REVIEWERS; (II) BE ACCOMPANIED BY A WRITTEN STATEMENT: (I) THAT THE OUT-OF-NETWORK REFERRAL SHALL BE COVERED BY THE HEALTH CARE PLAN EITHER WHEN THE REVIEWER OR A MAJORITY OF THE PANEL OF REVIEW- ERS DETERMINES, UPON REVIEW OF THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE OF THE IN-NETWORK HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OR PROVIDERS PROPOSED BY THE PLAN, THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE OF THE REQUESTED OUT-OF-NETWORK PROVIDER, THE CLINICAL STANDARDS OF THE PLAN, THE INFORMATION PROVIDED CONCERNING THE S. 7745 8 INSURED, THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN'S RECOMMENDATION, THE INSURED'S MEDICAL RECORD, AND ANY OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION, THAT THE HEALTH PLAN DOES NOT HAVE A PROVIDER WITH THE APPROPRIATE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE TO MEET THE PARTICULAR HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF AN INSURED WHO IS ABLE TO PROVIDE THE REQUESTED HEALTH SERVICE, AND THAT THE OUT-OF-NETWORK PROVIDER HAS THE APPROPRIATE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE TO MEET THE PARTICULAR HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF AN INSURED, IS ABLE TO PROVIDE THE REQUESTED HEALTH SERVICE, AND IS LIKELY TO PRODUCE A MORE CLINICALLY BENEFICIAL OUTCOME; OR (II) UPHOLDING THE HEALTH PLAN'S DENIAL OF COVERAGE; (III) BE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS GENERALLY APPLICABLE TO BENEFITS UNDER THE EVIDENCE OF COVERAGE UNDER THE HEALTH CARE PLAN; (IV) BE BINDING ON THE PLAN AND THE INSURED; AND (V) BE ADMISSIBLE IN ANY COURT PROCEEDING. S 16. The public health law is amended by adding a new section 23 to read as follows: S 23. CLAIM FORMS. A PHYSICIAN SHALL INCLUDE A CLAIM FORM FOR A THIRD-PARTY PAYOR WITH A PATIENT BILL FOR HEALTH CARE SERVICES, OTHER THAN A BILL FOR THE PATIENT'S CO-PAYMENT, COINSURANCE OR DEDUCTIBLE. S 17. The public health law is amended by adding a new section 24 to read as follows: S 24. DISCLOSURE. 1. A HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL SHALL DISCLOSE TO PATIENTS OR PROSPECTIVE PATIENTS IN WRITING OR THROUGH AN INTERNET WEBSITE THE HEALTH CARE PLANS IN WHICH THE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL IS A PARTICIPATING PROVIDER AND THE HOSPITALS WITH WHICH THE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL IS AFFILIATED. 2. IF A HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL DOES NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE NETWORK OF A PATIENT'S OR PROSPECTIVE PATIENT'S HEALTH CARE PLAN, THE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL SHALL, UPON RECEIPT OF A REQUEST FROM A PATIENT OR PROSPECTIVE PATIENT, DISCLOSE TO THE PATIENT OR PROSPECTIVE PATIENT IN WRITING THE AMOUNT OR ESTIMATED AMOUNT THE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL WILL BILL THE PATIENT OR PROSPECTIVE PATIENT FOR HEALTH CARE SERVICES PROVIDED OR ANTICIPATED TO BE PROVIDED TO THE PATIENT OR PROSPECTIVE PATIENT. 3. A HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL WHO IS A PHYSICIAN SHALL PROVIDE A PATIENT OR PROSPECTIVE PATIENT WITH THE NAME, PRACTICE NAME, MAILING ADDRESS, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF ANY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OF ANESTHE- SIOLOGY, LABORATORY, PATHOLOGY, RADIOLOGY OR ASSISTANT SURGEON SERVICES PERFORMED IN THE PHYSICIAN'S OFFICE OR COORDINATED OR REFERRED BY THE PHYSICIAN. 4. A HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL WHO IS A PHYSICIAN SHALL, FOR A PATIENT'S SCHEDULED HOSPITAL ADMISSION OR SCHEDULED OUTPATIENT HOSPITAL SERVICES, PROVIDE A PATIENT AND THE HOSPITAL WITH THE NAME, PRACTICE NAME, MAILING ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF ANY OTHER PHYSICIAN WHOSE SERVICES WILL BE ARRANGED BY THE PHYSICIAN AND ARE SCHEDULED AT THE TIME OF THE PRE-ADMISSION TESTING, REGISTRATION OR ADMISSION. 5. A HOSPITAL SHALL ESTABLISH, UPDATE, MAKE PUBLIC AND POST ON THE HOSPITAL'S WEBSITE, A LIST OF THE HOSPITAL'S STANDARD CHARGES FOR ITEMS AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE HOSPITAL, INCLUDING FOR DIAGNOSIS-RELATED GROUPS ESTABLISHED UNDER SECTION 1886(D)(4) OF THE FEDERAL SOCIAL SECU- RITY ACT. 6. A HOSPITAL SHALL POST ON THE HOSPITAL'S WEBSITE: (A) THE HEALTH CARE PLANS IN WHICH THE HOSPITAL IS A PARTICIPATING PROVIDER; AND (B) THE NAME, PRACTICE NAME, MAILING ADDRESS, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF ANY HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL WHO IS A PHYSICIAN AND WHOSE SERVICES WILL BE S. 7745 9 PROVIDED AT THE HOSPITAL, BUT WILL NOT BE BILLED AS PART OF THE HOSPITAL CHARGES. 7. A HOSPITAL SHALL, AT THE EARLIER OF EITHER PRE-ADMISSION TESTING, OUTPATIENT REGISTRATION, OR A NON-EMERGENCY HOSPITAL ADMISSION: (A) PROVIDE A PATIENT OR PROSPECTIVE PATIENT WITH THE NAME, PRACTICE NAME, MAILING ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF ANY HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL WHO IS A PHYSICIAN AND WHOSE SERVICES ARE REASONABLY ANTICIPATED AT THE TIME OF THE PRE-ADMISSION TESTING, REGISTRATION OR ADMISSION AND WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE HOSPITAL, BUT WILL NOT BE BILLED AS PART OF THE HOSPITAL CHARGES, AS REPORTED BY THE PATIENT'S PHYSICIAN; AND (B) DISCLOSE WHETH- ER THE SERVICES OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE PHYSICIANS AND TYPICALLY PROVIDE HOSPITAL SERVICES SUCH AS, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANESTH- ESIOLOGY, PATHOLOGY OR RADIOLOGY ARE BILLED AS PART OF THE HOSPITAL CHARGES. 8. FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SUBDIVISION: (A) "HEALTH CARE PLAN" MEANS A HEALTH INSURER INCLUDING AN INSURER LICENSED TO WRITE ACCIDENT AND HEALTH INSURANCE SUBJECT TO ARTICLE THIR- TY-TWO OF THE INSURANCE LAW; A CORPORATION ORGANIZED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-THREE OF THE INSURANCE LAW; A MUNICIPAL COOPERATIVE HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN CERTIFIED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-SEVEN OF THE INSURANCE LAW; A HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION CERTIFIED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-FOUR OF THIS CHAPTER; OR A SELF-FUNDED EMPLOYEE WELFARE BENEFIT PLAN. (B) "HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL" MEANS AN APPROPRIATELY LICENSED, REGIS- TERED OR CERTIFIED HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL PURSUANT TO TITLE EIGHT OF THE EDUCATION LAW. S 18. Paragraphs (p-1), (q) and (r) of subdivision 1 of section 4408 of the public health law, paragraph (p-1) as added by chapter 554 of the laws of 2002, and paragraphs (q) and (r) as added by chapter 705 of the laws of 1996, are amended and two new paragraphs (s) and (t) are added to read as follows: (p-1) notice that an enrollee shall have direct access to primary and preventive obstetric and gynecologic services INCLUDING ANNUAL EXAMINA- TIONS, CARE RESULTING FROM SUCH ANNUAL EXAMINATIONS, AND TREATMENT OF ACUTE GYNECOLOGIC CONDITIONS, from a qualified provider of such services of her choice from within the plan [for no fewer than two examinations annually for such services] or [to] FOR any care related to A pregnancy [and that additionally, the enrollee shall have direct access to primary and preventive obstetric and gynecologic services required as a result of such annual examinations or as a result of an acute gynecologic condition]; (q) notice of all appropriate mailing addresses and telephone numbers to be utilized by enrollees seeking information or authorization; [and] (r) a listing by specialty, which may be in a separate document that is updated annually, of the name, address and telephone number of all participating providers, including facilities, and, in addition, in the case of physicians, board certification[.], LANGUAGES SPOKEN AND AFFIL- IATION WITH PARTICIPATING HOSPITALS. THE LISTING SHALL ALSO BE POSTED ON THE HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION'S WEBSITE AND THE HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION SHALL UPDATE THE WEBSITE WITHIN FIFTEEN DAYS OF THE ADDI- TION OR TERMINATION OF A PROVIDER FROM THE HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZA- TION'S NETWORK OR A CHANGE IN A PHYSICIAN'S HOSPITAL AFFILIATION; (S) WHERE APPLICABLE, A DESCRIPTION OF THE METHOD BY WHICH AN ENROLLEE MAY SUBMIT A CLAIM FOR HEALTH CARE SERVICES, INCLUDING THROUGH THE INTERNET, ELECTRONIC MAIL OR BY FACSIMILE; AND S. 7745 10 (T) WHERE APPLICABLE, WHEN A CONTRACT OFFERS OUT-OF-NETWORK COVERAGE PURSUANT TO SUBSECTIONS (B) AND (C) OF SECTION THIRTY-TWO HUNDRED FORTY OF THE INSURANCE LAW: (I) A CLEAR DESCRIPTION OF THE METHODOLOGY USED BY THE HEALTH MAINTE- NANCE ORGANIZATION TO DETERMINE REIMBURSEMENT FOR OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICES; (II) A DESCRIPTION OF THE AMOUNT THAT THE HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZA- TION WILL REIMBURSE UNDER THE METHODOLOGY FOR OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICES SET FORTH AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE USUAL AND CUSTOMARY COST FOR OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICES; AND (III) EXAMPLES OF ANTICIPATED OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS FOR FREQUENTLY BILLED OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICES. S 19. Paragraphs (k) and (l) of subdivision 2 of section 4408 of the public health law, as added by chapter 705 of the laws of 1996, are amended and three new paragraphs (m), (n) and (o) are added to read as follows: (k) provide the written application procedures and minimum qualifica- tion requirements for health care providers to be considered by the health maintenance organization; [and] (1) disclose other information as required by the commissioner, provided that such requirements are promulgated pursuant to the state administrative procedure act[.]; (M) DISCLOSE WHETHER A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER SCHEDULED TO PROVIDE A HEALTH CARE SERVICE IS AN IN-NETWORK PROVIDER; (N) WHERE APPLICABLE, WITH RESPECT TO OUT-OF-NETWORK COVERAGE, DISCLOSE THE DOLLAR AMOUNT THAT THE HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION WILL PAY FOR A SPECIFIC OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICE; AND (O) PROVIDE INFORMATION IN WRITING AND THROUGH AN INTERNET WEBSITE THAT REASONABLY PERMITS AN ENROLLEE OR PROSPECTIVE ENROLLEE TO DETERMINE THE ANTICIPATED OUT-OF-POCKET COST FOR OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICES IN A GEOGRAPHICAL AREA OR ZIP CODE BASED UPON THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHAT THE HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION WILL REIMBURSE FOR OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND THE USUAL AND CUSTOMARY COST FOR OUT-OF-NETWORK HEALTH CARE SERVICES. S 20. Section 4408 of the public health law is amended by adding a new subdivision 7 to read as follows: 7. FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "USUAL AND CUSTOMARY COST" SHALL MEAN THE EIGHTIETH PERCENTILE OF ALL CHARGES FOR THE PARTICULAR HEALTH CARE SERVICE PERFORMED BY A PROVIDER IN THE SAME OR SIMILAR SPECIALTY AND PROVIDED IN THE SAME GEOGRAPHICAL AREA AS REPORTED IN A BENCHMARKING DATABASE MAINTAINED BY A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION SPECIFIED BY THE SUPER- INTENDENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES. THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION SHALL NOT BE AFFILIATED WITH AN INSURER, A CORPORATION SUBJECT TO ARTICLE FORTY-THREE OF THE INSURANCE LAW, A MUNICIPAL COOPERATIVE HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN CERTI- FIED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-SEVEN OF THE INSURANCE LAW, OR A HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION CERTIFIED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE. S 21. Subdivision 7-g of section 4900 of the public health law is renumbered subdivision 7-h and a new subdivision 7-g is added to read as follows: 7-G. "OUT-OF-NETWORK REFERRAL DENIAL" MEANS A DENIAL OF A REQUEST FOR AN AUTHORIZATION OR REFERRAL TO AN OUT-OF-NETWORK PROVIDER ON THE BASIS THAT THE HEALTH CARE PLAN HAS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IN THE IN-NETWORK BENEFITS PORTION OF ITS NETWORK WITH APPROPRIATE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE TO MEET THE PARTICULAR HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF AN ENROLLEE, AND WHO IS ABLE TO PROVIDE THE REQUESTED HEALTH SERVICE. THE NOTICE OF A DENIAL OF AN OUT-OF-NETWORK REFERRAL PROVIDED TO AN ENROLLEE SHALL INCLUDE INFORMA- S. 7745 11 TION EXPLAINING WHAT INFORMATION THE ENROLLEE MUST SUBMIT IN ORDER TO APPEAL THE DENIAL OF AN OUT-OF-NETWORK REFERRAL PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION ONE-B OF SECTION FOUR THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED FOUR OF THIS ARTICLE. A DENIAL OF AN OUT-OF-NETWORK REFERRAL UNDER THIS SUBDIVISION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ADVERSE DETERMINATION AS DEFINED IN THIS ARTICLE. A DENIAL OF AN OUT-OF-NETWORK REFERRAL SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED TO INCLUDE AN OUT- OF-NETWORK DENIAL AS DEFINED IN SUBDIVISION SEVEN-F OF THIS SECTION. S 22. Subdivision 2 of section 4903 of the public health law, as added by chapter 705 of the laws of 1996, is amended to read as follows: 2. A utilization review agent shall make a utilization review determi- nation involving health care services which require pre-authorization and provide notice of a determination to the enrollee or enrollee's designee and the enrollee's health care provider by telephone and in writing within three business days of receipt of the necessary informa- tion. THE NOTIFICATION SHALL IDENTIFY WHETHER THE SERVICES ARE CONSID- ERED IN-NETWORK OR OUT-OF-NETWORK. S 23. Section 4904 of the public health law is amended by adding a new subdivision 1-b to read as follows: 1-B. AN ENROLLEE OR THE ENROLLEE'S DESIGNEE MAY APPEAL A DENIAL OF AN OUT-OF-NETWORK REFERRAL BY A HEALTH CARE PLAN BY SUBMITTING A WRITTEN STATEMENT FROM THE ENROLLEE'S ATTENDING PHYSICIAN, WHO MUST BE A LICENSED, BOARD CERTIFIED OR BOARD ELIGIBLE PHYSICIAN QUALIFIED TO PRAC- TICE IN THE SPECIALTY AREA OF PRACTICE APPROPRIATE TO TREAT THE ENROLLEE FOR THE HEALTH SERVICE SOUGHT THAT: (A) THE IN-NETWORK HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OR PROVIDERS RECOMMENDED BY THE HEALTH CARE PLAN DO NOT HAVE THE APPROPRIATE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE TO MEET THE PARTICULAR HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF THE ENROLLEE FOR THE HEALTH SERVICE; AND (B) RECOMMENDS AN OUT-OF-NETWORK PROVIDER WITH THE APPROPRIATE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE TO MEET THE PARTICULAR HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF THE ENROLLEE, AND WHO IS ABLE TO PROVIDE THE REQUESTED HEALTH SERVICE. S 24. Subdivision 2 of section 4910 of the public health law is amended by adding a new paragraph (d) to read as follows: (D)(I) THE ENROLLEE HAS HAD AN OUT-OF-NETWORK REFERRAL DENIED ON THE GROUNDS THAT THE HEALTH CARE PLAN HAS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IN THE IN-NETWORK BENEFITS PORTION OF ITS NETWORK WITH APPROPRIATE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE TO MEET THE PARTICULAR HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF AN ENROLLEE, AND WHO IS ABLE TO PROVIDE THE REQUESTED HEALTH SERVICE. (II) THE ENROLLEE'S ATTENDING PHYSICIAN, WHO SHALL BE A LICENSED, BOARD CERTIFIED OR BOARD ELIGIBLE PHYSICIAN QUALIFIED TO PRACTICE IN THE SPECIALTY AREA OF PRACTICE APPROPRIATE TO TREAT THE ENROLLEE FOR THE HEALTH SERVICE SOUGHT, CERTIFIES THAT THE IN-NETWORK HEALTH CARE PROVID- ER OR PROVIDERS RECOMMENDED BY THE HEALTH CARE PLAN DO NOT HAVE THE APPROPRIATE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE TO MEET THE PARTICULAR HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF AN ENROLLEE, AND RECOMMENDS AN OUT-OF-NETWORK PROVIDER WITH THE APPROPRIATE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE TO MEET THE PARTICULAR HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF AN ENROLLEE, AND WHO IS ABLE TO PROVIDE THE REQUESTED HEALTH SERVICE. S 25. Paragraph (d) of subdivision 2 of section 4914 of the public health law is amended by adding a new subparagraph (D) to read as follows: (D) FOR EXTERNAL APPEALS REQUESTED PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (D) OF SUBDI- VISION TWO OF SECTION FOUR THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED TEN OF THIS TITLE RELATING TO AN OUT-OF-NETWORK REFERRAL, THE EXTERNAL APPEAL AGENT SHALL REVIEW THE UTILIZATION REVIEW AGENT'S FINAL ADVERSE DETERMINATION AND, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE, SHALL MAKE A DETERMI- S. 7745 12 NATION AS TO WHETHER THE OUT-OF-NETWORK REFERRAL SHALL BE COVERED BY THE HEALTH PLAN; PROVIDED THAT SUCH DETERMINATION SHALL: (I) BE CONDUCTED ONLY BY ONE OR A GREATER ODD NUMBER OF CLINICAL PEER REVIEWERS; (II) BE ACCOMPANIED BY A WRITTEN STATEMENT: (1) THAT THE OUT-OF-NETWORK REFERRAL SHALL BE COVERED BY THE HEALTH CARE PLAN EITHER WHEN THE REVIEWER OR A MAJORITY OF THE PANEL OF REVIEW- ERS DETERMINES, UPON REVIEW OF THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE OF THE IN-NETWORK HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OR PROVIDERS PROPOSED BY THE PLAN, THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE OF THE REQUESTED OUT-OF-NETWORK PROVIDER, THE CLINICAL STANDARDS OF THE PLAN, THE INFORMATION PROVIDED CONCERNING THE ENROLLEE, THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN'S RECOMMENDATION, THE ENROLLEE'S MEDICAL RECORD, AND ANY OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION, THAT THE HEALTH PLAN DOES NOT HAVE A PROVIDER WITH THE APPROPRIATE TRAINING AND EXPERI- ENCE TO MEET THE PARTICULAR HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF AN ENROLLEE WHO IS ABLE TO PROVIDE THE REQUESTED HEALTH SERVICE, AND THAT THE OUT-OF-NETWORK PROVIDER HAS THE APPROPRIATE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE TO MEET THE PARTIC- ULAR HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF AN ENROLLEE, IS ABLE TO PROVIDE THE REQUESTED HEALTH SERVICE, AND IS LIKELY TO PRODUCE A MORE CLINICALLY BENEFICIAL OUTCOME; OR (2) UPHOLDING THE HEALTH PLAN'S DENIAL OF COVERAGE; (III) BE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS GENERALLY APPLICABLE TO BENEFITS UNDER THE EVIDENCE OF COVERAGE UNDER THE HEALTH CARE PLAN; (IV) BE BINDING ON THE PLAN AND THE ENROLLEE; AND (V) BE ADMISSIBLE IN ANY COURT PROCEEDING. S 26. The financial services law is amended by adding a new article 7 to read as follows: ARTICLE 7 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES SECTION 701. DEFINITIONS. 702. PROHIBITION OF EXCESSIVE CHARGES FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES. 703. DISPUTE RESOLUTION. 704. CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING EXCESSIVE CHARGES. S 701. DEFINITIONS. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE: (A) "EMERGENCY CONDITION" MEANS A MEDICAL OR BEHAVIORAL CONDITION THAT MANIFESTS ITSELF BY ACUTE SYMPTOMS OF SUFFICIENT SEVERITY, INCLUDING SEVERE PAIN, SUCH THAT A PRUDENT LAYPERSON, POSSESSING AN AVERAGE KNOW- LEDGE OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH, COULD REASONABLY EXPECT THE ABSENCE OF IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION TO RESULT IN (1) PLACING THE HEALTH OF THE PERSON AFFLICTED WITH SUCH CONDITION IN SERIOUS JEOPARDY, OR IN THE CASE OF A BEHAVIORAL CONDITION PLACING THE HEALTH OF SUCH PERSON OR OTHERS IN SERIOUS JEOPARDY; (2) SERIOUS IMPAIRMENT TO SUCH PERSON'S BODILY FUNC- TIONS; (3) SERIOUS DYSFUNCTION OF ANY BODILY ORGAN OR PART OF SUCH PERSON; (4) SERIOUS DISFIGUREMENT OF SUCH PERSON; OR (5) A CONDITION DESCRIBED IN CLAUSE (I), (II) OR (III) OF SECTION 1867(E)(1)(A) OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT. (B) "EMERGENCY SERVICES" MEANS, WITH RESPECT TO AN EMERGENCY CONDI- TION: (1) A MEDICAL SCREENING EXAMINATION AS REQUIRED UNDER SECTION 1867 OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT, 42 U.S.C. S 1395DD, WHICH IS WITHIN THE CAPABILITY OF THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF A HOSPITAL, INCLUDING ANCIL- LARY SERVICES ROUTINELY AVAILABLE TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT TO EVALU- ATE SUCH EMERGENCY MEDICAL CONDITION; AND (2) WITHIN THE CAPABILITIES OF THE STAFF AND FACILITIES AVAILABLE AT THE HOSPITAL, SUCH FURTHER MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND TREATMENT AS ARE REQUIRED UNDER SECTION 1867 OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT, 42 U.S.C. S 1395DD, TO STABILIZE THE PATIENT. S. 7745 13 (C) "EXCESSIVE FEE" MEANS A FEE THAT IS IN EXCESS OF AN AMOUNT DETER- MINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION SEVEN HUNDRED FOUR OF THIS ARTICLE. (D) "HEALTH CARE PLAN" MEANS A HEALTH INSURER INCLUDING AN INSURER LICENSED TO WRITE ACCIDENT AND HEALTH INSURANCE SUBJECT TO ARTICLE THIR- TY-TWO OF THE INSURANCE LAW; A CORPORATION ORGANIZED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-THREE OF THE INSURANCE LAW; A MUNICIPAL COOPERATIVE HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN CERTIFIED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-SEVEN OF THE INSURANCE LAW; A HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION CERTIFIED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-FOUR OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH LAW; OR A SELF-FUNDED EMPLOYEE WELFARE BENEFIT PLAN. (E) "INSURED" MEANS A PATIENT COVERED UNDER A POLICY OR CONTRACT WITH A HEALTH CARE PLAN. (F) "PATIENT" MEANS A PERSON WHO RECEIVES EMERGENCY SERVICES IN THIS STATE. (G) "USUAL AND CUSTOMARY COST" MEANS THE EIGHTIETH PERCENTILE OF ALL CHARGES FOR THE PARTICULAR HEALTH CARE SERVICE PERFORMED BY A PROVIDER IN THE SAME OR SIMILAR SPECIALTY AND PROVIDED IN THE SAME GEOGRAPHICAL AREA AS REPORTED IN A BENCHMARKING DATABASE MAINTAINED BY A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION SPECIFIED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT. THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION SHALL NOT BE AFFILIATED WITH AN INSURER, A CORPORATION SUBJECT TO ARTI- CLE FORTY-THREE OF THE INSURANCE LAW, A MUNICIPAL COOPERATIVE HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN CERTIFIED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-SEVEN OF THE INSURANCE LAW, OR A HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION CERTIFIED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FORTY-FOUR OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH LAW. S 702. PROHIBITION OF EXCESSIVE CHARGES FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES. (A) A PHYSICIAN WHO PROVIDES HEALTH CARE SERVICES IN THIS STATE SHALL NOT CHARGE AN EXCESSIVE FEE BASED ON THE CRITERIA FOR PROVIDING EMERGENCY SERVICES IN SECTION SEVEN HUNDRED THREE OF THIS ARTICLE. (B) THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT APPLY TO EMERGENCY SERVICES WHERE PROVIDER FEES ARE SUBJECT TO SCHEDULES OR OTHER MONETARY LIMITATIONS UNDER ANY OTHER LAW, INCLUDING THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION LAW AND ARTICLE FIFTY-ONE OF THE INSURANCE LAW, AND SHALL NOT PREEMPT ANY SUCH LAW. S 703. DISPUTE RESOLUTION. (A) A HEALTH CARE PLAN OR A PATIENT ALLEG- ING THAT A PHYSICIAN HAS CHARGED AN EXCESSIVE FEE FOR PROVIDING EMERGEN- CY SERVICES MAY SUBMIT THE DISPUTE FOR REVIEW TO AN INDEPENDENT DISPUTE RESOLUTION ENTITY, IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATIONS PROMULGATED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT, IF THE PHYSICIAN'S CHARGE EXCEEDS THE USUAL AND CUSTOM- ARY COST OF THE HEALTH CARE SERVICES. (B) A PATIENT SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED TO PAY THE PHYSICIAN'S FEE IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE TO SUBMIT THE DISPUTE FOR REVIEW TO THE INDEPENDENT DISPUTE RESOLUTION ENTITY. S 704. CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING EXCESSIVE CHARGES. (A)(1) THE INDE- PENDENT DISPUTE RESOLUTION ENTITY SHALL DECIDE WHETHER THE FEE CHARGED BY THE PHYSICIAN FOR THE SERVICES RENDERED IS EXCESSIVE. IN MAKING SUCH A DETERMINATION THE INDEPENDENT DISPUTE RESOLUTION ENTITY SHALL CONSIDER ALL RELEVANT FACTORS INCLUDING: (I) WHETHER THERE IS A GROSS DISPARITY BETWEEN THE FEE CHARGED BY THE PHYSICIAN FOR SERVICES RENDERED AS COMPARED TO: (A) FEES PAID BY THE HEALTH CARE PLAN TO REIMBURSE SIMILARLY QUALIFIED PHYSICIANS FOR THE SAME SERVICES IN THE SAME REGION WHO DO NOT PARTICIPATE WITH THE HEALTH CARE PLAN; AND (B) FEES PAID TO THE INVOLVED PHYSICIAN FOR THE SAME SERVICES RENDERED BY THE PHYSICIAN TO PATIENTS IN HEALTH CARE PLANS IN WHICH THE PHYSICIAN DOES NOT PARTICIPATE; (II) THE LEVEL OF TRAINING, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE OF THE PHYSICIAN; S. 7745 14 (III) THE PHYSICIAN'S USUAL CHARGE FOR COMPARABLE SERVICES WITH REGARD TO PATIENTS IN HEALTH CARE PLANS IN WHICH THE PHYSICIAN DOES NOT PARTIC- IPATE; (IV) THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND COMPLEXITY OF THE PARTICULAR CASE, INCLUD- ING TIME AND PLACE OF THE SERVICE; (V) INDIVIDUAL PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS; AND (VI) THE USUAL AND CUSTOMARY COST OF THE SERVICE. (2) IF THE INDEPENDENT DISPUTE RESOLUTION ENTITY DETERMINES THAT THE FEE CHARGED IS EXCESSIVE, THEN THE INDEPENDENT DISPUTE RESOLUTION ENTITY SHALL DETERMINE A REASONABLE FEE FOR THE SERVICES BASED UPON THE SAME CONDITIONS AND FACTORS SET FORTH IN THIS SUBDIVISION, WHICH FEE SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN THE USUAL AND CUSTOMARY COST FOR SUCH SERVICES. THE PHYSICIAN SHALL RETURN TO THE HEALTH CARE PLAN ANY PORTION OF THE FEE PAID BY THE HEALTH CARE PLAN IN EXCESS OF THE AMOUNT DETERMINED TO BE REASONABLE BY THE INDEPENDENT DISPUTE RESOLUTION ENTITY. (B) THE DETERMINATION OF AN INDEPENDENT DISPUTE RESOLUTION ENTITY SHALL BE BINDING ON THE HEALTH CARE PLAN, PHYSICIAN AND PATIENT, AND SHALL BE ADMISSIBLE IN ANY COURT PROCEEDING BETWEEN THE HEALTH CARE PLAN, PHYSICIAN OR PATIENT, OR IN ANY ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDING BETWEEN THIS STATE AND THE PHYSICIAN. (C) THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL PROMULGATE REGULATIONS TO ESTABLISH STAN- DARDS FOR THE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS INCLUDING STANDARDS FOR ESTAB- LISHING WHICH PARTY SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT OF THE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS. S 27. This act shall take effect January 1, 2013, provided, however, that: 1. for policies renewed on and after such date this act shall take effect on the renewal date; 2. sections twelve, sixteen, seventeen, twenty-two and twenty-six of this act shall apply to health care services provided on and after such date and section twenty-six of this act shall expire and be deemed repealed January 1, 2015; and 3. sections eleven, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, twenty-one, twenty- three, twenty-four and twenty-five of this act shall apply to denials issued on and after such date.
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