Requires group health plans, and health insurance issuers providing health insurance coverage, to conduct utilization review activities in connection with the provision of benefits under such plans or coverage only in accordance with an approved utilization review program.
Requires health plans and insurers to offer consumers: (1) more care options; and (2) greater access to patient information.
Restricts interference by health plans and insurers with the doctor-patient relationship.
Prohibits health plans and insurers from discriminating against a licensed health care professional with respect to participation or indemnification.
Requires health plans and insurers to comply with patient protection requirements of this Act.
States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to alter or amend the social Security Act.
Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend authority for customs user fees through September 30, 2011.
Requires that any payment under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act that would otherwise be disbursed on September 30, 2002, by a carrier with a contract to a provider of services for which payment may be made under part B shall be made on October 1, 2002.