Introduced By: Senators Goodwin, Coderre T., Fogarty, Roberts and Izzo
Date Introduced : February 9, 1999
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Title 42 of the General Laws entitled "State Affairs and Government" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:
{ADD 42-66.10-1. Short title. -- ADD}{ADD This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Elder Health Insurance Consumer Assitance Program Act". ADD}
{ADD 42-66.10-2. Elder Health Insurance Consumer Assistance
Program. -- ADD}{ADDThe director of elderly affairs
shall establish an Elder Health Insurance Consumer Assitance Program
to: (1) provide elder consumers of private and public health insurance
programs information relating to choice of health insurance products
and the rights and responsibilities of consumers and insurers
under such products; (2) operate a toll-free telephone line to
respond to requests for information, advice or assistance concerning
health insurance in a timely and efficient manner; (3) produce
and disseminate information about the availability of the elder
health insurance consumer assistance program and educational materials
concerning health insurance and patient rights; (4) provide assistance
(in non-litigative settings) to elder individuals who desire to
appeal a denial or termination or reduction of health services,
or the refusal to pay for such services, under a health insurance
plan or program; (5) make referrals to appropriate private and
public entities or individuals so that inquiries, problems, and
grievances with respect to health insurance can be handled promptly
and efficiently; and (6) collect data concerning inquiries, problems,
and greivances handled by the elder health insurance consumer
assistance program. The department of elderly affairs may operate
the elder health insurance consumer assistance program, directly
or by contract or other arrangement, including the use of appropriately
trained volunteers, with any public agency or non-profit organization.
To the maximum extent possible, the department of elderly affairs
shall coordinate the activitieADD}{DELdDEL} {ADD sADD}{ADDof the elder health insurance
consumer assistance program with other programs of a similar purpose
carried out by ADD}{DELother programs of a similar purpose carried out
byDEL} {ADD other state departments or the federal government. ADD}
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
