2005 North Carolina Code - General Statutes § 58-3-250. Payment obligations for covered services.

§ 58‑3‑250.  Payment obligations for covered services.

(a)       If an insurer calculates a benefit amount for a covered service under a health benefit plan through a method other than a fixed dollar co‑payment, the insurer shall clearly explain in its evidence of coverage and plan summaries how it determines its payment obligations and the payment obligations of the insured. The explanation shall include:

(1)       An example of the steps the insurer would take in calculating the benefit amount and the payment obligations of each party.

(2)       Whether the insurer has obtained the agreement of health care providers not to bill an insured for any amounts by which a provider's charge exceeds the insurer's recognized charge for a covered service and whether the insured may be liable for paying any excess amount.

(3)       Which party is responsible for filing a claim or bill with the insurer.

(b)       If an insured is liable for an amount that differs from a stated fixed dollar co‑payment or may differ from a stated coinsurance percentage because the coinsurance amount is based on a plan allowance or other such amount rather than the actual charges and providers are permitted to balance bill the insured, the evidence of coverage, plan summaries, and marketing and advertising materials that include information on benefit levels shall contain the following statement: "NOTICE: Your actual expenses for covered services may exceed the stated [coinsurance percentage or co‑payment amount] because actual provider charges may not be used to determine [plan/insurer or similar term] and [insured/member/enrollee or similar term] payment obligations." (2001‑446, s. 2.3.)