§33-55-5. Intermediaries.
A contract between a health carrier and an intermediary shall satisfy all the requirements contained in this section.
(a) A health carrier’s statutory responsibility to monitor the offering of covered benefits to covered persons may not be delegated or assigned to the intermediary.
(b) A health carrier has the right to approve or disapprove participation status of a subcontracted provider in its own or a contracted network for the purpose of delivering covered benefits to the carrier’s covered persons.
(c) A health carrier shall maintain copies of all intermediary health care subcontracts at its principal place of business in the state, or ensure that it has access to all intermediary subcontracts, including the right to make copies to facilitate regulatory review, upon 20 days prior written notice from the health carrier.
(d) If applicable, an intermediary shall transmit utilization documentation and claims-paid documentation to the health carrier. The carrier shall monitor the timeliness and appropriateness of payments made to providers and health care services received by covered persons.
(e) If applicable, an intermediary shall maintain the books, records, financial information, and documentation of services provided to covered persons at its principal place of business in the state and preserve them for two years in a manner that facilitates regulatory review.
(f) An intermediary shall allow the commissioner access to the intermediary’s books, records, financial information, and any documentation of services provided to covered persons, as necessary to determine compliance with this article.
(g) A health carrier has the right, in the event of the intermediary’s insolvency, to require the assignment to the health carrier of the provisions of a provider’s contract addressing the provider’s obligation to furnish covered services. If a health carrier requires assignment, the health carrier remains obligated to pay the provider for furnishing covered services under the same terms and conditions as the intermediary prior to the insolvency.
(h) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, to the extent the health carrier delegates its responsibilities to the intermediary, the carrier shall retain full responsibility for the intermediary’s compliance with the requirements of this article.
