Internet Website For Verification Required For Emergency Physicians and Health Care Providers

Sec. 1223.002. INTERNET WEBSITE FOR VERIFICATION REQUIRED FOR EMERGENCY PHYSICIANS AND HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS. (a) A health benefit plan issuer shall maintain and make available a secure system on the issuer's Internet website that allows a physician or health care provider for a hospital or freestanding emergency medical care facility to determine at any time: (1) whether the physician's or provider's patient is covered by the issuer's health benefit plan; and (2) the deductible, copayment, or coinsurance for which the patient is responsible. (b) A health benefit plan issuer may provide the information described by Subsection (a) through: (1) an existing Internet portal that is available at all times; or (2) an Internet portal that is: (A) provided by a third party contracting with the issuer; and (B) available at all times. Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 881 (H.B. 4500), Sec. 1, eff. January 1, 2024.