Key definitions are highlighted within each section and terms appearing in boldface type are included in the Glossary at the end of the guide. The source of your health coverage determines what legal rights you have in relationship to your health plan. However, your rights in relationship to doctors, hospitals and other care-givers are not affected by the source of your health coverage. The chart below helps to summarize coverage sources and the rights associated with them. If you are not sure what coverage source applies to you, ask your employer or health plan.
State laws regulating managed care companies and insurance apply.
State laws do not apply to health plan. Doctors, nurses and hospitals are still subject to state regulation. Through Medicare or Medicaid . State laws apply to health plans. Federal Medicare and Medicaid laws apply as well.