§ 27-18-3.1 - Alternative coverage by employer. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 27-18-3.1

   § 27-18-3.1  Alternative coverage byemployer. – (a) Each employer or other organization which contributes to a group healthinsurance contract or dental benefit plan covering twenty-five (25) or morepersons, which restricts the covered persons in selecting the providers ofdental care services to a single dentist or limited number of dentists, shallalso offer its employees or eligible dependents at the time a dental benefitsplan is offered or renewed at least one alternative cover of comparablebenefits which permits covered persons to obtain dental care services from thelicensed dentist of their choice if the alternate coverage is proposed to theemployer or other organization by either an insurance company licensed to dobusiness in the state of Rhode Island or a hospital, medical, or dental servicecorporation chartered in the state of Rhode Island. The licensed dentist shallconform to the quality assurance, utilization, and review programs of the partyproviding alternative coverage.

   (b) The employer or other organization shall pay orcontribute for the employee or member for the provision of alternativecoverage, an amount equal to the lesser of:

   (1) The premium or cost which it pays or contributes for theemployee or member to the group health insurance contract or dental benefitplan which limits the number of providers of dental services; or

   (2) The actual cost or premium of the alternate coverageobtained by the employee or member.