26.1-17.1 Prepaid Limited Health Service Organizations - North Dakota Statutes

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CHAPTER 26.1-17.1PREPAID LIMITED HEALTH SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS26.1-17.1-01.Definitions.As used in this chapter, unless otherwise defined in thischapter:1."Enrollee" means an individual, including dependents, who is entitled to limited
health services pursuant to a contract with an entity authorized to provide or arrange
for such services under this chapter.2."Evidence of coverage" means the certificate, agreement, or contract issued
pursuant to section 26.1-17.1-08 setting forth the coverage to which an enrollee is
entitled.3."Limited health service" means dental care services, vision care services, mental
health services, substance abuse services, pharmaceutical services, podiatric care
services, and such other services as may be determined by the commissioner to be
limited health services. Limited health service may not include hospital, medical,
surgical, or emergency services except as such services are provided incident to the
limited health services set forth in the preceding sentence.4."Net equity" means the excess of total assets over total liabilities, excluding liabilities
which have been subordinated in a manner acceptable to the commissioner.5."Prepaid limited health service organization" means any corporation, partnership, or
other entity which, in return for a prepayment, undertakes to provide or arrange for
the provision of one or more limited health services to enrollees. Prepaid limited
health service organization does not include:a.An entity otherwise authorized pursuant to the laws of this state either to
provide any limited health service on a prepayment or other basis or to
indemnify for any limited health service;b.An entity that meets the requirements of section 26.1-17.1-06; orc.A provider or entity when providing or arranging for the provision of limited
health services pursuant to a contract with a prepaid limited health service
organization or with an entity described in subdivision a or b.6."Provider" means any physician, dentist, health facility, or other person or institution
which is duly licensed or otherwise authorized to deliver or furnish limited health
services.7."Subscriber" means the person whose employment or other status, except for family
dependency, is the basis for entitlement to limited health services pursuant to a
contract with an entity authorized to provide or arrange for such services under this
chapter.8."Tangible net equity" means net equity reduced by the value assigned to intangible
assets including goodwill; going-concern value; organizational expense; startup
costs; long-term prepayments of deferred charges; nonreturnable deposits; and
obligations of officers, directors, owners, or affiliates, except short-term obligations of
affiliates for goods or services arising in the normal course of business which are
payable on the same terms as equivalent transactions with nonaffiliates and which
are not past-due.9."Uncovered expense" means the cost of health care services that are the obligation
of a prepaid limited health services organization for which an enrollee may be liablePage No. 1in the event of the insolvency of the organization and for which alternative
arrangements acceptable to the commissioner have not been made to cover the
costs. Costs incurred by a provider who has agreed in writing not to bill enrollees,
except for permissible supplemental charges, must be considered a covered
expense.26.1-17.1-02. Certificate of authority required. A person, corporation, partnership, orother entity may not operate a prepaid limited health service organization in this state without
obtaining and maintaining a certificate of authority from the commissioner pursuant to this
chapter.26.1-17.1-03. Application for certificate of authority. An application for a certificate ofauthority to operate a prepaid limited health service organization must be filed with the
commissioner on a form prescribed by the commissioner. Such application must be verified by
an officer or authorized representative of the applicant and must set forth, or be accompanied by,
the following:1.A copy of the applicant's basic organizational document, such as the articles of
incorporation, articles of association, partnership agreement, trust agreement, or
other applicable documents and all amendments to such documents.2.A copy of all bylaws, rules and regulations, or similar documents, if any, regulating
the conduct of the applicant's internal affairs.3.A list of the names, addresses, official positions, and biographical information of the
individuals who are responsible for conducting the applicant's affairs, including all
members of the board of directors, board of trustees, executive committee, or other
governing board or committee, the principal officers, and any person or entity owning
or having the right to acquire ten percent or more of the voting securities of the
applicant, and the partners or members in the case of a partnership or association.4.A statement generally describing the applicant, its facilities, personnel, and the
limited health service or services to be offered.5.A copy of the form of any contract made or to be made between the applicant and
any providers regarding the provision of limited health services to enrollees.6.A copy of the form of any contract made or to be made between the applicant and
any person listed in subsection 3.7.A copy of the form of any contract made or to be made between the applicant and
any person, corporation, partnership, or other entity for the performance on the
applicant's behalf of any functions, including the following:a.Marketing and enrollment.b.Administration.c.Investment management.d.Subcontracting for the provision of the limited health service to enrollees.8.A copy of the form of any contract which is to be issued to employers, unions,
trustees, or other organizations or individuals and a copy of any form of evidence of
coverage to be issued to subscribers or enrollees.9.A copy of the applicant's most recent financial statements audited by independent
certified public accountants. If the financial affairs of the applicant's parent company
are audited by independent certified public accountants but those of the applicantPage No. 2are not, then a copy of the most recent audited financial statement of the applicant's
parent company, certified by an independent certified public accountant, attached to
which will be consolidating financial statements of the applicant, satisfies this
requirement unless the commissioner determines that additional or more recent
financial information is required for the proper administration of this chapter.10.A copy of the applicant's financial plan, including a three-year projection of
anticipated operating results, a statement of the sources of working capital, and any
other sources of funding and provisions for contingencies.11.A schedule of rates and charges.12.A description of the proposed method of marketing.13.A statement acknowledging that all lawful process in any legal action or proceeding
against the applicant on a cause of action arising in this state is valid if served upon
the commissioner.14.A description of the complaint procedures to be established and maintained as
required under section 26.1-17.1-12.15.A description of the quality assessment and utilization review procedures to be
utilized by the applicant.16.A description of how the applicant will comply with section 26.1-17.1-17.17.The fee for issuance of a certificate of authority provided in section 26.1-17.1-23.18.Such other information as the commissioner may reasonably require to make the
determinations required by this chapter.26.1-17.1-04. Issuance of certificate of authority - Denial.1.Following receipt of an application filed pursuant to section 26.1-17.1-03, the
commissioner shall review such application and notify the applicant of any
deficiencies. The commissioner shall issue a certificate of authority to an applicant
provided that the following conditions are met:a.The requirements of section 26.1-17.1-03 have been fulfilled.b.The individuals responsible for conducting the applicant's affairs are competent,
trustworthy, and possess good reputations, and have had appropriate
experience, training, or education.c.The applicant is financially responsible and may reasonably be expected to
meet its obligations to enrollees and to prospective enrollees. In making this
determination, the commissioner may consider:(1)The financial soundness of the applicant's arrangements for limited
healthservicesandtheminimumstandardrates,deductibles,copayments, and other patient charges used in connection therewith.(2)The adequacy of working capital, other sources of funding, and
provisions for contingencies.(3)Any agreement for paying the cost of the limited health services or for
alternative coverage in the event of insolvency of the prepaid limited
health service organization.Page No. 3(4)The manner in which the requirements of section 26.1-17.1-17 have
been fulfilled.d.The agreements with providers for the provision of limited health services
contain the provisions required by section 26.1-17.1-16.e.Any deficiencies identified by the commissioner have been corrected.2.If the certificate of authority is denied, the commissioner shall notify the applicant
and shall specify the reasons for denial in the notice. The applicant has thirty days
from the date of receipt of the notice to request a hearing before the commissioner
pursuant to chapter 28-32.26.1-17.1-05. Effect on organizations operating on effective date of this chapter.Within ninety days after August 1, 1993, every prepaid limited health service organization
operating in this state without a certificate of authority shall submit an application for a certificate
of authority to the commissioner. Each such organization may continue to operate during the
pendency of its application. In the event an application is denied under this section, the applicant
will then be treated as a prepaid limited health service organization whose certificate of authority
has been revoked.26.1-17.1-06. Filing requirements for authorized entities.1.Any entity authorized pursuant to the laws of this state to operate a health
maintenance organization, an accident and health insurance company, a nonprofit
health, hospital, or medical service corporation, or a fraternal benefit society and
which is not otherwise authorized pursuant to the laws of this state to offer limited
health services on a per capita or fixed prepayment basis may do so by filing for
approval with the commissioner the information requested by subsections 4, 5, 7, 8,
10, 11, 12, and 15 of section 26.1-17.1-03 and any subsequent material modification
or addition thereto.2.Following approval by the commissioner of the filing in subsection 1, and upon
application by the entity and surrender of its original certificate of authority, the
commissioner may issue a new certificate of authority under this chapter. The entity
will be subject to the capitalization requirements under its original certificate of
authority and the net equity and deposit provisions of section 26.1-17.1-17 do not
apply.3.If the commissioner disapproves the filing, the procedures set forth in subsection 2
of section 26.1-17.1-04 must be followed.26.1-17.1-07. Changes in rates and benefits and material modifications - Additionof limited health services.1.A prepaid limited health service organization shall file with the commissioner, prior to
use, a notice of any change in rates, charges, or benefits and of any material
modification of any matter or document furnished pursuant to section 26.1-17.1-03,
together with such supporting documents as are necessary to fully explain the
change or modification.2.If a prepaid limited health service organization desires to add one or more limited
health services, it shall file a notice with the commissioner and, at the same time,
shall submit the information required by section 26.1-17.1-03 and shall demonstrate
compliance with sections 26.1-17.1-16, 26.1-17.1-17, and 26.1-17.1-23.3.A change or modification filed with the commissioner pursuant to subsections 1 and
2 may be used by the prepaid limited health service organization only after approval
by the commissioner or upon the expiration of sixty days from the date of filing.Page No. 44.If such filings are disapproved, the commissioner shall notify the prepaid limited
health service organization and shall specify the reasons for disapproval in the
notice. The prepaid limited health service organization has thirty days from the date
of receipt of notice to request a hearing before the commissioner pursuant to chapter
28-32.26.1-17.1-08. Evidence of coverage.1.Every subscriber must be issued an evidence of coverage, which must contain a
clear and complete statement of:a.The limited health services to which each enrollee is entitled.b.Any limitation of the services, kinds of services or benefits to be provided, and
exclusions, including any deductible, copayment, or other charges.c.Where and in what manner information is available as to where and how
services may be obtained.d.The method for resolving complaints.2.Any amendment to the evidence of coverage may be provided to the subscriber in a
separate document.26.1-17.1-09.Rates and charges.The rates and charges must be reasonable inrelation to the services provided. The commissioner may request information from the prepaid
limited health service organization supporting the appropriateness of the rates and charges.26.1-17.1-10. Construction with other laws.1.a.A prepaid limited health service organization organized under the laws of this
state must be deemed to be a domestic insurer for purposes of chapter 26.1-10
unless specifically exempted in writing from one or more of the provisions of
such act by the commissioner.b.A prepaid limited health service organization is subject to chapter 26.1-04.c.No other provision of the insurance code applies to a prepaid limited health
service organization unless such an organization is specifically mentioned
therein, or unless otherwise provided in this chapter.2.The provision of limited health services by a prepaid limited health service
organization or other entity pursuant to this chapter may not be deemed to be the
practice of medicine or other healing arts.3.Solicitation to arrange for or provide limited health services in accordance with this
chapter may not be construed to violate any provision of law relating to solicitation or
advertising by health professionals.26.1-17.1-11. Nonduplication of coverage. Notwithstanding any other law of this state,a prepaid limited health service organization, health maintenance organization, accident and
health insurance company, nonprofit health or hospital or medical service corporation, or fraternal
benefit society may exclude, in any contract or policy issued to a group, any coverage that would
duplicate the coverage for limited health services, whether in the form of services, supplies, or
reimbursement, insofar as the coverage or service is provided in accordance with this chapter
under a contract or policy issued to the same group or to a part of that group by a prepaid limited
health service organization, a health maintenance organization, an accident and health insurance
company, a nonprofit health or hospital or medical service corporation, or a fraternal benefit
society.Page No. 526.1-17.1-12.Complaint system.Every prepaid limited health service organizationshall establish and maintain a complaint system providing reasonable procedures for resolving
written complaints initiated by enrollees and providers. Nothing herein may be construed to
preclude an enrollee or a provider from filing a complaint with the commissioner or as limiting the
commissioner's ability to investigate such complaints.26.1-17.1-13. Examination of organization.1.For purposes of examination, expenses of examination, and tax credits therefor,
each prepaid limited health service organization is subject to the laws applicable to
insurance companies.2.In lieu of such examination, the commissioner may accept the report of an
examination made by the commissioner of another state.26.1-17.1-14. Investments. The funds of a prepaid limited health service organizationmay be invested only in accordance with the laws and rules applicable to insurance companies.26.1-17.1-15. Insurance producers. No individual may apply, procure, negotiate, orplace for others any policy or contract of a prepaid limited health service organization unless that
individual holds a license or is otherwise duly authorized to sell accident and health insurance
policies, health, hospital or medical service contracts, or health maintenance organization
contracts.26.1-17.1-16. Contracts with providers. All contracts with providers or with entitiessubcontracting for the provision of limited health services to enrollees on a prepayment or other
basis must contain or must be construed to contain the following terms and conditions:1.In the event the prepaid limited health service organization fails to pay for limited
health services for any reason whatsoever, including insolvency or breach of this
contract, the enrollees are not liable to the provider for any sums owed to the
provider under this contract.2.No provider, agent, trustee, or assignee thereof may maintain an action at law or
attempt to collect from the enrollee sums owed to the provider by the prepaid limited
health service organization.3.These provisions do not prohibit collection of uncovered charges consented to by
enrollees or collection of copayments from enrollees.4.These provisions survive the termination of this contract, regardless of the reason
giving rise to termination.5.Termination of this contract does not release the provider from completing
procedures in progress on enrollees then receiving treatment for a specific condition
for a period not to exceed sixty days, at the same schedule of copayment or other
applicable charge in effect upon the effective date of termination of this contract.6.Any amendment to these foregoing provisions of this contract must be submitted to
and be approved by the commissioner prior to becoming effective.26.1-17.1-17. Protection against insolvency - Deposit.1.a.Except as approved in accordance with subsection 3, each prepaid limited
health service organization shall, at all times, have and maintain tangible net
equity equal to the greater of:(1)Fifty thousand dollars; orPage No. 6(2)Two percent of the organization's annual gross premium income, up to a
maximum of the required capital and surplus of an accident and health
insurer.b.A prepaid limited health service organization that has uncovered expenses in
excess of fifty thousand dollars, as reported on the most recent annual financial
statement filed with the commissioner, shall maintain tangible net equity equal
to twenty-five percent of the uncovered expense in excess of fifty thousand
dollars in addition to the tangible net equity required by subdivision a of
subsection 1.2.a.Each prepaid limited health service organization shall deposit with the
commissioner or with any organization or trustee acceptable to the
commissioner through which a custodial or controlled account is utilized, cash,
securities, or any combination of these or other measures that is acceptable to
the commissioner in an amount equal to twenty-five thousand dollars plus
twenty-five percent of the tangible net equity required in subsection 1; provided,
however, that the deposit may not be required to exceed one hundred thousand
dollars.b.The deposit shall be an admitted asset of the prepaid limited health service
organization in the determination of tangible net equity.c.All income from deposits shall be an asset of the prepaid limited health service
organization.A prepaid limited health service organization may withdraw adeposit or any part thereof after making a substitute deposit of equal amount
and value. Any securities must be approved by the commissioner before being
substituted.d.The deposit must be used to protect the interests of the prepaid limited health
service organization's enrollees and to assure continuation of limited health
care services to enrollees of a prepaid limited health service organization that is
in rehabilitation or conservation. If a prepaid limited health service organization
is placed in receivership or liquidation, the deposit shall be an asset subject to
provisions of the liquidation act.e.The commissioner may reduce or eliminate the deposit requirement if the
prepaid limited health service organization has made an acceptable deposit
with the state or jurisdiction of domicile for the protection of all enrollees,
wherever located, and delivers to the commissioner a certificate to such effect,
duly authenticated by the appropriate state official holding the deposit.3.The commissioner may waive the requirements of subsections 1 and 2 upon a
finding that:a.The prepaid limited health service organization has a net equity of at least five
million dollars; orb.An entity having a net equity of at least five million dollars furnishes to the
commissioner a written commitment, which is acceptable to the commissioner,
to provide for the uncovered expenses of the prepaid limited health service
organization.26.1-17.1-18. Officers and employees fidelity bond.1.A prepaid limited health service organization shall maintain in force a fidelity bond in
its own name on its officers and employees in an amount not less than fifty thousand
dollars or in any other amount prescribed by the commissioner. Except as otherwise
provided by this subsection, the bond must be issued by an insurance company thatPage No. 7is licensed to do business in this state or, if the fidelity bond required by this
subsection is not available from an insurance company that holds a certificate of
authority in this state, a fidelity bond procured by a licensed surplus lines insurance
producer in this state shall satisfy the requirements of this subsection.2.In lieu of the bond specified in subsection 1, a prepaid limited health service
organization may deposit with the commissioner cash or securities or other
investments of the types set forth in section 26.1-17.1-14. Such a deposit must be
maintained in joint custody with the commissioner in the amount and subject to the
same conditions required for a bond under this subsection.26.1-17.1-19. Reports.1.Every prepaid limited health service organization shall file with the commissioner
annually, on or before March first, a report verified by at least two principal officers
covering the preceding calendar year.2.Such report must be on forms prescribed by the commissioner and must include:a.A financial statement of the organization, including its balance sheet, income
statement, and statement of changes in financial position for the preceding
year, certified by an independent public accountant or a consolidated audited
financial statement of its parent company certified by an independent public
accountant, attached to which must be consolidating financial statements of the
prepaid limited health service organization.b.The number of subscribers at the beginning of the year, the number of
subscribers as of the end of the year, and the number of enrollments
terminated during the year.c.Such other information relating to the performance of the organization as is
necessary to enable the commissioner to carry out the duties under this
chapter.3.The commissioner may require more frequent reports containing such information
as is necessary to enable the commissioner to carry out the duties under this
chapter.4.The commissioner may assess a fine of up to one hundred dollars per day for each
day any required report is late, and the commissioner may suspend the
organization's certificate of authority pending the proper filing of the required report
by the organization.26.1-17.1-20. Suspension or revocation of certificate of authority.1.The commissioner may suspend or revoke the certificate of authority issued to a
prepaid limited health service organization pursuant to this chapter upon determining
that any of the following conditions exist:a.The prepaid limited health service organization is operating significantly in
contravention of its basic organizational document or in a manner contrary to
that described in and reasonably inferred from any other information submitted
pursuant to section 26.1-17.1-03, unless amendments to such submissions
have been filed and authorized pursuant to section 26.1-17.1-07.b.The prepaid limited health service organization issues an evidence of coverage
or uses rates or charges which do not comply with the requirements of sections
26.1-17.1-08 and 26.1-17.1-09.Page No. 8c.The prepaid limited health service organization is unable to fulfill its obligations
to furnish limited health services.d.The prepaid limited health service organization is not financially responsible
and may reasonably be expected to be unable to meet its obligations to
enrollees or prospective enrollees.e.The tangible net equity of the prepaid limited health service organization is less
than that required by section 26.1-17.1-17 or the prepaid limited health service
organization has failed to correct any deficiency in its tangible net equity as
required by the commissioner.f.The prepaid limited health service organization has failed to implement in a
reasonable manner the complaint system required by section 26.1-17.1-12.g.The continued operation of the prepaid limited health service organization
would be hazardous to its enrollees.h.The prepaid limited health service organization has otherwise failed to comply
with this chapter.2.If the commissioner has cause to believe that grounds for the suspension or
revocation of a certificate of authority exist, the commissioner shall notify the prepaid
limited health service organization in writing specifically stating the grounds for
suspension or revocation and fixing a time not more than sixty days thereafter for a
hearing on the matter in accordance with chapter 28-32.3.When the certificate of authority of a prepaid limited health service organization is
revoked, such organization shall proceed, immediately following the effective date of
the order of revocation, to wind up its affairs, and shall conduct no further business
except as may be essential to the orderly conclusion of the affairs of such
organization.It shall engage in no further advertising or solicitation whatsoever.The commissioner may, by written order, permit such further operation of the
organization as the commissioner may find to be in the best interest of the enrollees,
to the end that the enrollees will be afforded the greatest practical opportunity to
obtain continuing limited health services.26.1-17.1-21. Penalties. In lieu of any penalty specified elsewhere in this chapter, orwhen no penalty is specifically provided, whenever any prepaid limited health service
organization or other person, corporation, partnership, or entity subject to this chapter has been
found after hearing to have violated any provision of this chapter, the commissioner may:1.Issue and cause to be served upon the organization, person, or entity charged with
the violation a copy of such findings and an order requiring such organization,
person, or entity to cease and desist from engaging in the act or practice which
constitutes the violation.2.Impose a monetary penalty of not more than one thousand dollars for each violation,
but not to exceed an aggregate penalty of ten thousand dollars.26.1-17.1-22. Rehabilitation, conservation, or liquidation.1.Any rehabilitation, conservation, or liquidation of a prepaid limited health service
organization must be deemed to be the rehabilitation, conservation, or liquidation of
an insurance company and must be conducted pursuant to chapter 26.1-06.1.2.Prepaid limited health service organizations are not subject to chapter 26.1-38.1, nor
do the protections provided by chapter 26.1-38.1 apply to any individuals entitled to
receive limited health services from a prepaid limited health service organization.Page No. 926.1-17.1-23. Fees. Every prepaid limited health service organization is subject to thefees set out in section 26.1-01-07.26.1-17.1-24. Confidentiality.1.Any information pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment, or health of any enrollee
obtained from such person or from any provider by any prepaid limited health
service organization and any contract with providers submitted pursuant to the
requirements of this chapter must be held in confidence and may not be disclosed to
any person except:a.To the extent that it may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter;b.Upon the express consent of the enrollee or applicant, provider, or prepaid
limited health service organization, as appropriate;c.Pursuant to statute or court order for the production of evidence or the
discovery thereof; ord.In the event of claim or litigation wherein such data or information is relevant.2.With respect to any information pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment, or health of
any enrollee or applicant, a prepaid limited health service organization is entitled to
claim any statutory privileges against disclosure which the provider who furnished
such information to the prepaid limited health service organization is entitled to
claim.3.In addition, any information provided to the commissioner that constitutes a trade
secret, is privileged information, or is part of a department investigation or
examination must be held in confidence.26.1-17.1-25. Taxes. Every prepaid limited health service organization is subject to thetax provided in section 26.1-03-17 as it pertains to health maintenance organizations, and each
prepaid limited health service organization is entitled to the same tax deductions, reductions,
abatements, and credits that health maintenance organizations are entitled to receive.26.1-17.1-26. Rulemaking. The commissioner may adopt reasonable rules necessaryin the implementation of this chapter.Page No. 10Document Outlinechapter 26.1-17.1 prepaid limited health service organizations