Introduced By: Representatives Ginaitt, Reilly and Benoit
Date Introduced : February 23, 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} {ADDThis 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}{ADD The 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 activities of the elder health insurance consumer assistance program with other programs of a similar purpose carried out by other state departments or the federal government. ADD}
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
