§ 26:2S-19 — Findings, declarations relative to Managed Health Care Consumer Assistance Program

1. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. Managed health care, regardless of the form it takes, is now a major vehicle for the delivery of health care in this nation; and the rapid transition to managed health care has left consumers confused and concerned about how it affects them and how to navigate the managed health care system; b. Despite the clear promises of reduced costs, quality service and comprehensive care made by managed care plans, many consumers are uncertain about how to obtain appropriate care and inhibited in their efforts to do so. They often lack necessary information about the benefits and referral requirements of specific plans and have no access to resources which might assist them to obtain quality care on a timely basis; c. Consumers need help understanding their rights and responsibilities and how to access care and assert their rights in a complex managed care environment; and d. It is, therefore, in the public interest to establish a program to provide consumers with the information and assistance they need to access the high-quality, cost-effective health care available from managed care plans and to promote the rights and interests of managed care consumers. L.2001,c.14,s.1.