Chapter 56-A: HEALTH PLAN IMPROVEMENT ACT HEADING: PL 1997, C. 792, §2 (RPR)
Subchapter 1: HEALTH PLAN REQUIREMENTS HEADING: PL 1997, C. 792, §2 (NEW)
§4320-H. Payment reform pilot projects
(REALLOCATED FROM TITLE 24-A, SECTION 4320)
1.Pilot projects. Beginning March 1, 2012, the superintendent may authorize pilot projects in accordance with this subsection that allow a health
insurance carrier that offers health plans in this State to implement payment reform strategies with providers through an
accountable care organization to reduce costs and improve the quality of patient care. For purposes of this section, "accountable
care organization" means a group of health care providers operating under a payment agreement to provide health care services
to a defined set of individuals with established benchmarks for the quality and cost of those health care services consistent
with federal law and regulation.
A. The superintendent may approve a pilot project between a carrier and an accountable care organization that utilizes payment
methodologies and purchasing strategies, including, but not limited to: alternatives to fee-for-service models, such as blended
capitation rates, episodes-of-care payments, medical home models and global budgets; pay-for-performance programs; tiering
of providers; and evidence-based purchasing strategies. [RR 2011, c. 1, §43 (RAL).]
B. Prior to approving a pilot project, the superintendent shall consider whether the proposed pilot project is consistent with
the principles for payment reform developed by the Advisory Council on Health Systems Development established under former
Title 2, section 104. [RR 2011, c. 1, §43 (RAL).]
[
RR 2011, c. 1, §43 (RAL)
.]
2.Rulemaking. The superintendent shall establish by rule procedures and policies that facilitate the implementation of a pilot project pursuant
to this section, including, but not limited to, a process for a health insurance carrier's submitting a pilot project proposal
and minimum requirements for approval of a pilot project. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical
rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A and must be adopted no later than December 1, 2011.
[
RR 2011, c. 1, §43 (RAL)
.]
3.Report. Beginning in 2013, the superintendent shall report by March 1st annually to the joint standing committee of the Legislature
having jurisdiction over insurance and financial services matters on the status of any pilot project approved by the superintendent
pursuant to this section. The report must include an analysis of the cost and benefits of any approved pilot project in reducing
health care costs, including any impact on premiums, and in improving the quality of care.
[
RR 2011, c. 1, §43 (RAL)
.]
4.Evaluation. During the First Regular Session of the 129th Legislature, the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction
over insurance and financial services matters shall conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of any pilot project approved
by the superintendent pursuant to this section and make a determination whether to continue, amend or repeal the authorization
for the pilot project. The joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over insurance and financial services
matters may report out a bill based on the evaluation to the First Regular Session of the 129th Legislature.
[
RR 2011, c. 1, §43 (RAL)
.]
5.Construction. This section may not be construed to restrict or limit the right of a carrier to engage in activities expressly permitted
by this Title or to require a carrier to obtain prior approval as a pilot project to engage in those activities.
[
RR 2011, c. 1, §43 (RAL)
.]
SECTION HISTORY
RR 2011, c. 1, §43 (RAL).
Data for this page extracted on 02/01/2012 10:10:48.