AB 1019

This bill requires a defined network plan or preferred provider plan to make a

current directory of health care providers in the plan's network of providers available

to anyone considering enrollment in the plan and to the plan's enrollees at least

annually. Defined network plans and preferred provider plans are types of managed

care organizations that provide health care benefits to their enrollees. The bill

requires the plan to maintain a current provider directory on its Internet site, to

ensure that the directory on the site is updated at least quarterly, and to ensure that

the public may view the provider directory on the site without creating or accessing

an account or entering a policy or contract number. A plan is also required by the bill

to provide information in each electronic and print directory on providers for each of

the plan's covered services, prominently indicate in each electronic and print

directory which providers are accepting new patients at the time the directory is

updated, and accommodate with each electronic and print directory the

communication needs of persons with disabilities and persons with limited English

proficiency.