C.__If an enrollee was terminally ill at the time of termination of the provider and the provider was treating the terminal illness before the date of termination, the transitional period must extend for the remainder of the enrollee's life for care directly related to the treatment of the terminal illness.

3.__Terms and conditions of continuity of care.__A carrier may condition coverage of continued treatment by a provider under subsection 1 upon the provider's agreeing to the following terms and conditions.

A.__The provider agrees to accept reimbursement from the carrier at the rates applicable prior to the start of the transitional period as payment in full and not to impose cost-sharing with respect to the enrollee in an amount that would exceed the cost-sharing that could have been imposed if the contract between the carrier and the provider had not been terminated.

B.__The provider agrees to adhere to the quality assurance standards of the carrier responsible for payment and to provide the carrier necessary medical information related to the care provided.

C.__The provider agrees otherwise to adhere to the carrier's policies and procedures, including procedures regarding referrals and obtaining prior authorization and providing services pursuant to any treatment plan approved by the carrier.

Sec. 9. 24-A MRSA §4323 is enacted to read:

§4323.__Independent consumer ombudsman program

Notwithstanding the requirements of section 4321, the State shall establish an independent consumer ombudsman program through a contract with a nonprofit organization that operates independently of health plans and carriers.__The program must provide consumer assistance and advocacy to health plan enrollees in choosing among carriers or among coverage options offered by health plans and provide counseling and assistance to enrollees dissatisfied with their treatment by carriers in regard to health plan coverage and with respect to grievances and appeals regarding coverage determinations under such plans.