[§432:1-608]  Hospice care coverage. (a)  Any other law to the contrary notwithstanding, commencing on January 1,2000, all mutual benefit societies issuing or renewing an individual and grouphospital or medical service plan, policy, contract, or agreement in this Statethat provides for payment of or reimbursement for hospice care, shall reimbursehospice care services for each insured member covered for hospice careaccording to the following:

(1)  A minimum daily rate as set by the Health CareFinancing Administration for hospice care;

(2)  Reimbursement for residential hospice room andboard expenses directly related to the hospice care being provided; and

(3)  Reimbursement for each hospice referral visitduring which a patient is advised of hospice care options, regardless ofwhether the referred patient is eventually admitted to hospice care.

(b)  Every insurer shall provide notice to itsmembers regarding the coverage required by this section.  Notice shall be inwriting and in literature or correspondence sent to members, beginning withcalendar year 2000, along with any other mailing to members, but in no caselater than July 1, 2000. [L 1999, c 77, §5]