Sec. 21.55.210. - Duties of plan administrator. - Alaska Statutes

(a) The plan administrator shall perform the administrative and claims payment functions required by this section. The plan administrator shall provide these services for a period specified in the contract between the association and the plan administrator subject to the terms, conditions, and limitations of the contract between the association and the plan administrator. At least six months before the expiration of each contract period, the board shall invite eligible entities, including the plan administrator, to submit bids to serve as the plan administrator. The board shall follow the provisions of this subsection in selecting a plan administrator for the subsequent contract period.

(b) The plan administrator shall provide to all eligible persons enrolled in a state plan an individual policy setting out a statement of the insurance protection to which the person is entitled, with whom claims are to be filed, and to whom benefits are payable. The policy must indicate that coverage was obtained through the association.

(c) The plan administrator shall submit to the board and the director on a regular basis a report on the operation of the state plans. The board shall determine the specific information to be contained in the report and that information shall be specified in the contract between the association and the plan administrator.

(d) The plan administrator shall pay claims and shall indicate when a claim is paid under a state plan. A claim payment must include a telephone number that can be used for inquiries regarding the claim.

(e) The plan administrator shall

(1) be reimbursed from the state plan receipts for services rendered in connection with administering the plan; and

(2) at all times when carrying out its duties under this chapter be considered an agent of the association.