Continuity of Health Care Notice Finalized

The proposed regulations for required insurance carrier and managed care organization notices to new enrollees were made final on April 27.  The notice explains that patients who are currently receiving treatment have special rights in Maryland. For example, if the prior insurer gave pre-approval for surgery or other services, the patient may not need a new approval from the new carrier for the same services. Also, those seeing a doctor who was an in-network provider with the old health plan, but who is not in-network the new plan, may continue for a limited period of time as though the provider were in-network.  Limitations apply, and protections for patients receiving mental health and substance use treatment are omitted for managed care organizations.  Click here for the complete regulation.