Basics of Managed Care
What are some specific legal protections for consumers?
- In most states there are laws that limit the pre-existing conditions that health care plans may put into their policies.
- Usually a health care plan is required to renew health coverage for all members who pay their premiums, even if the member has become ill and requires expensive treatment.
- Almost every state now requires that new mothers be allowed to stay in the hospital for at least 48 hours after giving birth.
- More than half the states require health plans to pay for visits to the emergency room.
- Some states have expanded their laws to include minimum hospital stays for mastectomy patients and to give women the right to see an obstetrician-gynecologist without going through a primary care doctor first.
- Some states require health care plans to cover treatment for mental illness and substance abuse, as well as prenatal care and minor surgery.
- A few states require health plans to cover chiropractic and hospice care.
- Other states require that if a health plan covers prescription drugs then it must also cover contraceptives that are prescribed by a doctor. Less than a dozen states require that health plans offer in-vitro fertilization as part of their health plans.
>>How is managed care defined?
>>What are some of the concerns with managed care?
>>How does this affect me?
>>What are the states doing to ensure that patients get the care they need within the managed care system?
>>What are some specific legal protections for consumers?
Practical Law Home |
Law & Your Health Home
*Basics of Managed Care* |
What to Do If You Have Problems