(a) A health insurer that issues, sells, renews, or offers a policy covering dental services, including a specialized policy of health insurance covering dental services, or a contracting entity may grant a third party access to a provider network contract, or a providerâs dental services or contractual discounts provided pursuant to a provider network contract if the requirements of subdivisions (b) and (c) are met. (b) A health insurer that issues, sells, renews, or offers a policy covering dental services may grant a third party access to a provider network contract if, at the time the provider network contract is entered into, and at any time a notice is sent to a health care provider as required pursuant to Section 10133.65, the provider network contract allows a provider to choose not to participate in third-party access to the provider network contract. The third-party access provision of the provider network contract shall be clearly identified. An insurer shall not grant third-party access to the provider network contract of a provider that does not participate in third-party access to the provider network contract. (c) A contracting entity may grant a third party access to a provider network contract, or a providerâs dental services or contractual discounts provided pursuant to a provider network contract, if all of the following are met: (1) The provider network contract specifically states that the contracting entity may enter into an agreement with a third party that would allow the third party to obtain the contracting entityâs rights and responsibilities as if the third party were the contracting entity, and when the contracting entity is a health insurer, the provider chose to participate in third-party access at the time the provider network contract was entered into. (2) If the contracting entity is a health insurer, the third-party access provision of the provider network contract shall clearly identify in the contract and notice to the provider, as required pursuant to Section 10133.65, the following language conspicuously placed on the first page of the document in 12-point underlined type: This contract grants third-party access to the provider network. The provider network contracting entity has entered into an agreement with other dental insurers or third parties that allows the third party to obtain the contracting entityâs rights and responsibilities as if the third party were the contracting entity. The list of all third parties with access to this provider network can be found at (insert internet website as identified in paragraph (4)). You have the right to choose not to participate in third-party access. To exercise your right to not participate in the third-party access, submit your written or electronic request to the health insurer. (3) The contracting entity identifies prior to signing the contract, in writing or electronic format to the provider, all third parties in existence as of the date the provider network contract is entered into. (4) The contracting entity identifies all third parties in existence in a list on its internet website that is updated at least once every 90 days. (5) (A) The contracting entity requires a third party to identify the source of the discount on all written or electronic remittance advices or explanations of payment under which a discount is taken. (B) This paragraph does not apply to electronic transactions mandated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-191). (6) A third partyâs right to a providerâs discounted rate ceases as of the termination date of the provider network contract. (7) The contracting entity makes available a copy of the provider network contract relied on in the adjudication of a claim to a participating provider within 30 days of a request from the provider. (d) A provider is not bound by or required to perform dental treatment or services under a provider network contract granted to
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