House Bill 5686
Sponsor: Rep. Doug Hart
Committee: Health Policy
Complete to 8-31-00
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5686 AS INTRODUCED 4-27-00
The bill would amend the Legislative Council Act to create the Managed Care Ombudsman Office within the Legislative Council. The ombudsman, who would act as the principal executive officer of the office, would be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the council. Duties of the ombudsman would include advising the legislature on issues regarding managed care; providing technical assistance and acting as a resource to consumers regarding managed care; and establishing a statewide toll-free telephone line to give residents access to the ombudsman's office. Correspondence between the ombudsman and a consumer would be confidential and not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. An annual report on the actions of the office, various issues and matters specified in the bill, and on the need for suggested legislative action would have to be submitted to the Legislative Council and the legislature. The bill would define "managed care plan" as a health plan offered by a licensed health maintenance organization (HMO) or a policy, certificate, or contract offered by a health insurer or health care corporation under which covered individuals elect to obtain health care services from health care providers who have entered into prudent purchaser agreements.
MCL 4.1851
Analyst: S. Stutzky