(a) On or before July 1, 1997, every disability insurer that covers hospital, medical, or surgical expenses, as described in subdivision (b), shall file with the department a written policy, which is not subject to approval or disapproval by the department, describing the manner in which the insurer determines if a second medical opinion is medically necessary and appropriate. Notice of the policy and information regarding the manner in which an insured may receive a second medical opinion shall be provided to all insureds in the insurer’s evidence of coverage. The written policy shall describe the manner in which requests for a second medical opinion are reviewed by the insurer.
(b) This section shall only apply to disability insurers covering hospital, medical, or surgical expenses that contract with providers for alternative rates pursuant to Section 10133 or 11512 and that limit payments under those policies to services secured by insureds from providers charging alternative rates pursuant to the contracts.
(c) Nothing in this section shall require the disability insurer to cover services or provide benefits that are not otherwise covered under the terms and conditions of the plan contract, nor to provide services through providers who are not under contract with the plan.
(Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1091, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1997.)