§ 42-66.10-2. Elder Health Insurance Consumer Assistance Program. (a) The director of elderly affairs shall establish an elder health insurance consumer assistance 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 grievances handled by the elder health insurance consumer assistance program.

(b) 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.

History of Section. (P.L. 1999, ch. 182, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 372, § 1.)