Document:

ex103.htm

Exhibit 10.3

 

 

CAREPLUS HEALTH PLANS, INC.

 

NETWORK AGREEMENT

 

This Network Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into on this 29th day of July 2008 by and between CarePlus Health Plans, Inc. ("Plan"), and Palm Medical Network, LLC ("Network").

 

WHEREAS, Plan is licensed in the State of Florida to operate a health maintenance organization health plan under which members under an agreement with Plan, may be provided with medical services and hospital care; and

 

WHEREAS, Network is an entity that shall develop and manage a primary care network for Plan; and

 

WHEREAS, Network represents and warrants that Network has not entered into any agreement, wither verbal or in writing, with a health plan, health insurance company, health maintenance organization, or similar health benefit organization which in any way prohibits or restricts provider from entering into this Agreement or from fulfilling any obligation set forth in this Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, Plan wishes to engage Network to provide and arrange for the provision of Covered Services to Plan Members, and Network agrees to provide and to arrange for the provision of such Covered Services under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, Network and Plan believe that this Agreement will be mutually beneficial, and, as such, both parties agree to be bound by all terms and conditions contained herein.

 

In consideration of the above, it is mutually agreed as follows: 

 

I.Definitions

 

For the purposes of this Agreement, the following words and phrases shall have the meaning specified.

 

1.1 "Admitting Physician" is a Participating Physician who admits Members to a Participating Hospital or to another hospital with the approval of Plan.

 

1.2 "Agreement" means this Network Agreement between Plan and Network. 

 

1.3 "AHCA" means Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.

 

1.4 "Copayment" means the amount required to be paid by Member to Network Providers as additional payments for Covered Services. Copayments will vary in amount for Members, depending on benefit structure.

 

 

  

1

  

 

 1.5"Covered Services" means all medical services and other benefits required to be provided to Members by Plan under Plan's agreement(s) with Medicare and under the terms of Plan's agreements with Subscribers, including, without limitation, Primary Care, specialist medical services, hospital services, ancillary and diagnostic services, Emergency Medical Services. Covered Services are subject to change at any time as required by applicable law or under Plan's Medicare agreement(s).

 

1.6"Credential" or "Credentialing" means the process for verifying that physicians providing services under this Agreement are adequately trained, licensed, of good professional reputation and capable of working with others in the provision of Covered Services to Members. The term shall be construed to include the recredentialing process.

 

1.7"DHHS" means United States Department of Health and Human Services.

 

1.8"011t." means Office of Insurance Regulation.

 

1.9"Effective Date" shall mean the effective date of this Agreement which shall be

the date written on the first page of this Agreement.

 

  1.10 "Emergency Medical Condition" means (a) a medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that a prudent layperson, pursuant to Section 4704 of the 1997 Balanced Budget Act, with an average knowledge of health and medicine, could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in any of the following: 1. serious jeopardy to the health of the individual including a pregnant woman or a fetus. 2. serious impairment of bodily functions. 3. serious dysfunction of any

bodily organ or part. (b) with respect to a pregnant woman: 1. that there is inadequate time to effect safe transfer to another hospital prior to delivery. 2. That a transfer may pose a threat to the health and safety of the patient or fetus. 3. that there is evidence of the onset and persistence of uterine contractions or rupture of the membranes.

 

  1.11 "Emergency Services" means medical screening, examination, and evaluation by a physician, or, to the extent permitted by applicable laws, by other appropriate personnel under the supervision of a physician, to determine whether an emergency medical condition exists, and if it does, the care, treatment, or surgery for a covered service by a physician which is necessary to relieve or eliminate the emergency medical condition, within the service capability of a hospital.

 

  1.12 "Group Service Contract" means an agreement between Plan and an employer, including, but not limited to, an administrative services only type agreement, under which Subscribers are entitled to become Members of the Plan in accordance with the terms of such agreement.

 

1.13 "CMS" means Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

 

  

2

  

1.14 "Individual Subscription Agreement" means an agreement between Plan and an individual subscriber by which such individual is entitled to become Members of the Plan in accordance with the terms of such agreement. Individual Subscription Agreements shall include agreements between Plan and a Subscriber entitled to benefits under the Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, as amended.

 

1.15 "Medical Director" means a physician designated by Plan to monitor and review Covered Services to Members provided or requested by a health care provider.

 

1.16 "Medical Staff" means a hospital's or ambulatory surgery center's medical staff as the term is defined in the bylaws of the hospital's or ambulatory surgery center's medical staff, and as such bylaws may be amended from time to time.

 

1.17 "Medically Necessary" shall be defined by Plan in the exercise of its sole discretion and shall include due consideration of whether services are (i) consistent with the symptoms or diagnosis and treatment of Member's condition, disease, ailment or injury; (ii) appropriate with regard to standards of good medical practice within the surrounding community; (iii) not solely for the convenience of the Member, a Participating Provider, or other health care provider, and (iv) the most appropriate supply or level of service which can be safely provided to the Member.

 

1.18 "Member" means an eligible Subscriber who (i) is been enrolled in one of Plan's Medicare health plans and (ii) has been assigned by Plan to Network or a Network Provider or have selected a Network Provider. A Member shall not include a Subscriber that Plan chooses not to assign to Network.

 

1.19 "Network Provider" means a physician who or which (i) has entered into an agreement with Network to provide health care services to Members, (ii) has executed a Participating Provider Agreement; and (iii) has successfully completed Plan's Credentialing process.

 

 1.20 "Participating Provider Agreement" means the contract between Plan, Network and Network Providers that is designed to indicate compensation arrangements between Plan, Network and Network Providers as well as to cover for all regulatory guidelines. The Participating Provider Agreement, at the option of the Plan, may become directly effective between Plan and Network Provider in the event this Agreement is terminated.

 

1.21 "Participating Provider" means a primary care physician, specialty physician hospital, ambulatory surgical center, home health care agency, pharmacy, multi-specialty group practice, or any other health care provider which or who has entered into an agreement with, or is otherwise engaged by, Plan to provide Covered Services to Members. Any such Participating Provider may be designated as a Participating Hospital, Participating Physician, Participating Pharmacy, etc. All Network Providers shall be Participating Providers.

 

1.22 "Plan Provider Manual" means the CarePlus Health Plans, Inc. Provider Manual, as amended and revised from time to time by Plan in its discretion.

 

  

3

  

 

 

 

1.23 "Primary Care Physician" means a Participating Physician who supervises, coordinates and provides Primary Care Services to Members, including the initiation of their referral to Specialty Physicians and other Participating Providers for non-Primary Care Services, and who meets all the other requirements for Primary Care Physicians contained in the Plan Provider Manual and in this Agreement.

 

1.24 "Primary Care Services" means those Covered Services customarily provided by a primary care physician in his or her office as well as services customarily provided by an attending primary care physician to institutionalized patients, and includes, by way of example and not limitation, the Primary Care Services set forth in Attachment A.

 

1.25 "Quality Assurance Program" means the program of quality assurance established by Plan to assure the proper level and quality of care is provided including, but not limited to, Plan's policies and procedures.

 

1.26 "Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (Q1V111)" means an individual who is entitled to Medicare Part A, has low income that does not exceed 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), and whose resources do not exceed twice the Supplemental Social Security Income (SSD limit. A QMB (often called "dual eligible") is eligible for Medicaid payment of Medicare premiums, deductibles, co-insurance and co-pays (except for Part-D).

 

1.27 "Specialty Physician" means a Participating Physician who is appropriately qualified in a certain medical specialty as determined by Plan who provides Covered Services to Members within the range of such specialty, who elects to be designated as a Specialty Physician by Plan and who meets all other requirements for Specialty Physicians contained in Plan's rules and regulations, including the Plan Provider Manual, and in the Agreement between Plan and the Specialty Physician.

 

1.28 "Subscriber" means a person who meets the eligibility requirements of Plan, enrolls pursuant to the terms thereof, and for whom premiums are received by or on behalf of the Plan.

 

1.29 "Urgently Needed Services" means services for an accident or illness of a less serious nature than an Emergency, which services (a) are required in order to

prevent serious deterioration in the Member's health, and (b) cannot be delayed until the Member returns to the geographic area customarily serviced by a Network Provider's office.

 

 1.30 "Utilization Management/Utilization Management Program" means the evaluation and determination of the appropriateness of patient use of medical care resources, and provision of any needed assistance to clinician and/or Member, to ensure appropriate use of resources. Utilization Management includes prior authorization, concurrent review, retrospective review, discharge planning, case management, and disease management protocols.

 

II.Duties and Responsibilities of Plan

 

2.1 Compensation

Plan shall compensate Network at the rates and in the manner set forth in Attachment B.

 

2.2 Member Eligibility

Plan will provide each Member with an identification card which shall be presented for purposes of assisting Network Provider in verifying Member eligibility. In addition, by the first day of each month, Plan will provide Network a list of all Members ("Membership List") listing all Members eligible to receive Covered Services during that month, which Membership List shall be effective for the month. In addition, a mid-month list will be provided by Plan. Plan will not be responsible for medical services provided to non-eligible individuals.

 

 

  

4

  

 

2.3 Marketing

No guarantees are afforded by Plan as to the number of Members who will select Network or Network Providers. However, Plan will use commercially reasonable efforts to assign Members to Network as reasonably determined by Plan.

 

2.4 Advertising Plan

Plan may include the name, address, telephone number and types of practice of Network Providers in a roster of Participating Providers. The parties understand that this roster may be inspected by and is intended for the use of current and prospective Members, Subscribers, Participating Providers, and other providers. Neither Network nor Network Providers shall engage in any marketing activities with respect to Plan and shall not use the trademarks and trade names employed by Plan without the prior written approval of Plan.

 

2.5 Administrative Duties

Plan, through its Medical Director and such other individuals as Plan designates, shall establish procedures relating to the following:

 

(a)  A system for prior authorization of all referrals to Specialty Physicians;

 

(b) Written notification of denied claim forms or Covered Services;

 

(c)  A system of pre-admission certification for all elective hospital admissions;

 

(d)  A Member encounter reporting process to be implemented in accordance with Plan's policies and procedures;

 

 

All procedures relating to the foregoing shall be contained in the Plan Provider Manual. The parties to this agreement agree and acknowledge that although Plan will establish procedures regarding the foregoing, Network shall provide all services and functions with respect to some of the foregoing items, such as authorizing written referrals and providing pre-admission certifications.

 

2.6Administration of Plan

Plan shall provide the appropriate personnel, facilities and equipment necessary for the administration of Plan. Plan has the sole responsibility and final decision making authority for: (i) payment of claims for health services rendered to Members; (ii) accept new enrollment in Plan; (iii) process voluntary disnerollments, and limit involuntary disenrollments under the Plan; (iv) all benefit determinations; and (v) Network Provider and member grievance system established by Plan. Plan agrees to recognize and abide by all state and federal laws, regulations and guidelines. Plan supervises and is accountable to the Governmental Agencies for those functions that are outlined in Plan's contract with Medicare. Plan has not delegated any administrative duties to Network unless expressly set forth herein and only to the extent set forth herein.

 

III. Duties and Responsibilities of Network

 

3.1Provision of Covered Services and Certain Administrative Services

 

Pursuant to this Agreement, the parties agree and covenant that Network will assume all responsibility for the provision of Covered Services to Members enrolled in Medicare plans of Plan, and other Members as are reasonably assigned by Plan. Network assumes risk for the provision of Covered Services to Member whether or not those Covered Services are provided by Network Providers. In fact, certain Participating Providers, including hospitals and ancillary service providers, will provide Covered Services to Members for which Network will have financial responsibility hereunder. Covered Services shall be provided in accordance with the Utilization Management Program (as set forth in Section 3.5 hereof).

 

3.2Licensure and Participation in Medicare

Network agrees to require Network Providers to maintain in good standing full participation status in the federal Medicare program (Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, as amended). This also included all of Network Providers employees, subcontractors, and/or independent contractor who will provide services, including, without limitation, health care, utilization review, medical social work, and/or administrative services under the agreement. Network agrees to notify Plan promptly upon notice of any notice of sanction from the Medicare Program from its Network Providers or subcontractors.

 

 

Network agrees and acknowledges that Plan receives payment for Covered Services in whole or in part from federal funds and to the extent Network Provider(s) treat Members for whom Plan receives federal funds (e.g. Medicare Members), Network and Network Provider(s) are subject to certain laws that are applicable to individuals and entities receiving federal funds.

 

3.3Compliance with Plan Programs and Rules

 

(a) Network agrees, and shall require Network Providers to agree to be bound by and comply with Plan's policies, procedures and rules as promulgated from time to time, which, as now in effect and as hereafter adopted and amended, are incorporated in this Agreement, including without limitation those policies and procedures set forth in the Plan Provider Manual, Plan's credentialing program, Plan's quality assurance program, Plan's grievance program and any other program established by Plan from time to time (b) Network Agrees, and shall require Network Providers to agree, to cooperate with Plan in its efforst to monitor compliance with its Medicare Advantage contract and/or Medicare Advantage rules and regulations and to assist Plan in complying with corrective action necessary for Plan to comply with such rules and regulations (c) Network agrees, and shall require Network Providers to agree to be bound that nothing in the Agreement shall be construed as relieving Plan of its responsibility for performance of duties agreed to through its Medicare Advantage contracts existing now or entered into in the future with CMS

 

  

5

  

.

 

3.4 Agreements with Network Providers

 

Participating Provider Agreements. Network agrees to maintain written agreement with employed and contracted health care providers and health care professionals providing services under the Agreement on a form comparable to, and consistent with, the terms and conditions of the Agreement. Providers downstream provider agreement shall include terms and conditions which comply with all applicable requirements for provider agreements under state and federal laws, rules and regulations to which Plan is subject. In the event of a conflict between the language of the downstream provider agreements and the Agreement, the language in the Agreement shall control.

 

Network shall contract with primary care physicians to arrange for the provision of services to Members under this Agreement. These contracts shall be in the form of "Participating Provider Agreements" approved by Plan where Plan will be party to the contractual arrangements between Network and Network Providers.

 

Network shall not alter the terms of such Participating Provider Agreement without the prior approval of Plan, in its sole discretion. Even though Network will not contract with certain Providers (e.g. hospitals and ancillary services providers), Network shall have partial financial responsibility for Covered Services provided Members by these Providers. Such Participating Provide Agreements shall contain a provision stating that:

 

In no event, including nonpayment by Plan, Plan insolvency, or breach of this Agreement by either party, shall Network, Network Provider, or any representative or agent of Network or Network Provider, bill, charge, or seek compensation or reimbursement from Plan.

 

3.5Utilization. Network and Network Providers shall comply with and be monitored

under an approved Utilization Management Program, including, without limitation, pre-certification of elective admissions and procedures, referral processes and concurrent review reporting of clinical encounter data.

 

3.6Verification of Eligibility

Network is responsible for verifying eligibility of Members before Network Providers render Covered Services to such individuals (e.g. verifying Member's inclusion in Membership List).

 

3.7 Network Provider Training

Network shall require Network Providers to receive and participate in any applicable training developed by Plan, the contents of which may be amended from time to time by Plan in its sole and absolute discretion. Network shall require Network Provider to maintain a level of experience through continuing education programs in Network Provider's particular discipline and shall maintain the educational standards required by Network Provider's licensure board when applicable. Network Provider shall participate, to the extent feasible, in any continuing education programs established or recommended by Plan appropriate to Network Provider's particular practice.

 

3.8 Encounter Information

Network agrees and acknowledges that Plan is required to maintain a health information system that collects, analyzes and integrates all data necessary to compile, evaluate and report certain statistical data related to costs, utilization and quality, and such other matters as the Governmental Agencies may require. Network shall require Network Provider(s) to submit to Plan accurate and compete information regarding the provisions of covered services by Network Provider(s) to Members ("Data") on a complete CMS 1500 or UB92 form, or their respective successor forms as may be required by CMS, or such other form as may be required by law when submitting claims and/or encounters in an electronic format, or such other format as is mutually agreed upon by both parties. The Data shall be provided to Plan on or before the last day of each month for encounters occurring in the immediately preceding month, or such lesser period of time as may be required in the Agreement, or as is otherwise agreed upon by the parties in writing. The submission of the Date to Plan and CMS shall include a certification from Provider(s) that the data is accurate, complete and truthful. In the event the Data is not submitted to Plan by the date and in the form specified above, Plan may, in its sole option, withhold payment otherwise required to be made under the terms of the Agreement until the Data is submitted to Plan. Records shall be maintained for a period of not less than ten (10) years from the termination of this

 

  

6

  

 

Agreement and be retained further if records are under review or audit until such review or audit is complete.

 

3.9Network Provider Services

 

	
(a)             

	
Professional Standards. Network shall require Network Providers to provide Covered Services to all Members in an ethical and legal manner, in accordance with professional standards of care in the medical community.

 

	
(b)             

	
No Discrimination. Network shall require Network Providers to provide Medically Necessary Covered Services to Members upon referral to Network Provider by Plan, without regard to race, color, age, place of

residence, economic status, health status, health care needs, benefit plan, source of payment, religion, national origin or handicap of a Member.

 

	
(c)             

	
Equal Standards. Network shall require Network Providers to render Covered Services, to Members in the same manner, in accordance with the same standards of care and with the same time availability as offered his/her other patients and without regards to (i) the degree of frequency of utilization of such services by a Member or, (ii) the physical condition of a Member.

 

	
(d)             

	
Hospital Admissions. Network shall require Network Providers to admit to, and provide appropriate services at a Participating Hospital to Members in the event a hospital group does not exist. Network shall require Network Providers to maintain clinical privileges at a Participating Hospital. If a Network Provider does not have admitting privileges at a Participating Hospital such Network Provider may identify another Participating Provider as the Admitting Physician who shall take responsibility for admission and provision of inpatient services to Members twenty four (24) hours per day/three hundred sixty five (365) days per year. Such Network Provider shall be responsible for the remuneration of the Admitting Physician which Admitting Physician shall sign an Acceptance Letter in the form attached as Attachment D. Admission to a Participating Hospital must be certified in advance by Plan in accordance with Plan's Utilization Management Program.

 

	
(e)             

	
Availability. Network shall require Network Providers to make available Covered Services twenty four (24) hours per day seven (7) days per week including holidays, to comply with the following availability schedule: urgent care - within one day; routine sick care - within one week; and wellcare - within one month. Network shall require Network Providers to maintain adequate personnel and facilities to fulfill the contracted obligations hereunder. Network shall require Network Provider to be responsible for the provision, authorization, coordination, supervision monitoring and overall management of all Covered Services to Members in accordance with Plan's policies and procedures. Network shall ensure that Network Providers who are Primary Care Physicians shall be responsible for the making of referrals for Covered Services that are not Primary Care Services when Medically Necessary. In any event, Network shall require Network Providers to maintain twenty four (24)-hours-a-day, seven (7)-days-a-week telephone answering service to handle Member calls.

 

 

	
(f) 

	
Network agrees to require Network Providers that when the need arises, provisions will be made to appropriately communicate with patients in the language used by Members.

 

	
(g)

	
Health Risk Assessment. Network shall require Network Providers to cooperate with Plan's health risk assessment (HRA).

 

	
(h) 

	
Network shall require Network Provider to agree not to collect or attempt to collect copayment, coinsurance, deductibles or other cost-share amounts from any Plan Medicare Advantage Member who has been designated as Qualified Medicare Beneficiary ("QMB") by CMS.

 

3.10 Members Medical Records

 

(a)Compliance. Network shall, and shall require Network Provider to:

 

	
(i)  

	
recognize and abide by all applicable state and federal laws, regulations and guidelines, including, without limitation, those applicable to the Plan's health care plans.

 

(ii) maintain appropriate, accurate and complete clinical record entries in a timely manner, as well as to participate in the record-keeping system established by Plan, as may be modified from time to time.

 

(iii) Network and Network Provider(s) shall permit authorized representatives of Plan and any state or federal authority or agency, including DHHS, CMS, AHCA, OIR and the U.S. General Accounting Office or their respective designees, to inspect Provider's facilities and to review any of the records of services provided to Members, including any books, contracts, medical records, patient care documentation and other records that pertain to (i) the services performed under this Agreement, (ii) reconciliation of benefits liabilities, (iii) determination of amount payable,

 

(iv) other relevant matters as such persons conducting the audit, evaluation or inspection deem necessary, and (v) for QM use and Peer Review. This includes access to Medical Records of Plan Members to Plan's Quality Management staff for HEDIS and HCC. Network Provider shall retain such records and provide such access to any governmental agency, including those agencies listed above, or to Plan for a period of not less than ten (10) years after the expiration of this Agreement and retained further if the records are under review or audit until the review or audit is completed; provided that Provider shall retain records for a longer period of time than specified if (i) CMS determines that there is a need to maintain a record or group of records for a longer period, (ii) CMS determines that there has been a termination, dispute, fraud or similar fault, in which case the retention may be extended to six (6) years from the date of any resulting final resolution of the matter, or (iii) CMS determines that there is a reasonable possibility of fraud, in which case the inspection of records may be conducted at any time. Prior Plan approval for the disposition of records must be requested and approved by Plan if the subcontract is continuous. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Network Provider agrees to cooperate, if requested, with any inspection by any of the above listed agencies as a means of evaluation of the quality, appropriateness and timeliness of service performed to Members. These inspections may include inspections of any records pertaining to this Agreement, and the premises, facilities and equipment of Provider.

 

  

7

  

 

	
(b)             

	
Contents and Confidentiality. Medical records of Members will include the recording of services provided by Network Provider, other health care providers, other reports from referral providers, discharge summaries, records of emergency care received by the Members. Network shall safeguard the privacy of any health inforamtion that identifies a particular Member in accordance with HIPAA privacy guidelines and agrees that the information from, or copies of, medical records may be released only to authorized individuals, and Network shall ensure that unauthorized individuals do not gain access to or alter patient records. Network shall release original medical records in accordance with federal or state laws, court orders or subpoenas.

 

	
(c)             

	
Inspection. Plan shall have the right to inspect at reasonable times Network Provider's facilities and Members' medical records for compliance with Plan's Peer Review and Quality Management and Utilization management Programs. Plan shall have the right to inspect and to copy, at Plan's expense, books, records (any and all) maintained by

 

Network Provider pertaining to claims for Covered Services under this Agreement. Charges to the Plan for copies of medical records for such audits, shall not exceed fifteen (15) cents per page. Network Provider shall maintain all such records at its principal place of business in the State of Florida.

 

3.11 Participation in Plan Programs

 

	
a) 

	
Network agrees and shall require Network Provider(s) to agree, supportand participate in Plan's Quality management and Utilization Management Programs and all Peer Review/Quality Improvement/Quality Management programs, as well as in any reasonable internal and external quality management, utilization review, peer review, grievances, continuing education and other similar programs of Plan that may be established from time to time by Plan to promote appropriate standards of medical care and to control the cost and monitor the quality of medical services rendered to Members, including without limitation programs relating to the pre-certification of elective admissions and procedures, referral process and reporting of clinical encounter data. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, with respect to all Medicare Members being provided Ancillary Services by Ancillary Provider, Ancillary Provider shall cooperate with and participate in all activities of any independent quality review and improvement organization approved by CMS.

 

	
b)  

	
Network agrees and shall require Network Provider(s) to assist Plan in the

 

	
  

	
development and application of the criteria used to evaluate the care that the Network Provider provides to Members. Network Provider shall participate in and cooperate with Plan's policies, procedures and processes for conducting an initial assessment of each Member's health care needs within 90 days of the effective date of such Member's enrollment and for identifying Medicare Members with complex or serious medical conditions, assessment of those conditions and the establishment of appropriate treatment plans for those conditions.

 

	
c)  

	
In conjunction with any such review or program, Network Provider will

 

	
  

	
make available at no charge to Plan, whatever information is requested by Plan. Network Provider further agrees to abide by all of Plan's applicable rules and regulations, policies, procedures, missions and principles and acknowledges that failure to do so shall be sufficient basis for immediate termination of this Agreement by Plan.

 

	
d)  

	
Network shall require Network Provider to report to Network or Plan's risk manager all Incidents involving a Member in accordance with Plan's incident report guidelines, which shall be established in accordance with the provisions of Fla. Stat. Ch. 641.55 and Florida Administrative Code Rule 59A-12.012. Network shall designate an individual or individuals who shall make periodic reports of Incidents to Plan's risk manager.

 

Network shall report all Incidents to Plan within ten (10) calendar days of their occurrence; provided that Network shall report to Plan within three(3) calendar days of its occurrence an Incident which results in: (i) the death of Member; (ii) severe brain or spinal damage to a Member; (iii) a surgical procedure being performed on the wrong patient; or (iv) a surgical procedure unrelated to a Member's diagnosis or medical needs being performed

 

3.12 Compensation and Billing

 

 

	
(a)            

	
Member Hold Harmless. Network agrees, and shall assure that Network

 

	 	
  

	
Providers agree, that in no event, including but not limited to, nonpayment by Plan, Plan insolvency, or breach of this Agreement by either party, shall Network or Network Provider, or any representative or agent, bill, charge, collect a deposit from, seek compensation, remuneration or reimbursement from, or have any recourse against a Member, AHCA, OIR, CMS, or enrollee, or person acting on their behalf for services provided pursuant to this Agreement.This provision shall not prohibit collection of

 

	 	
  

	
Copayments on Plan's behalf made in accordance with the terms of the applicable agreement between Plan and Member. Network Providers shall use reasonable efforts to collect from Members applicable copayments. Network shall require Network Providers to agree that (i) this provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement regardless of the cause giving rise to termination and shall be construed to be for the benefit of Members, and that (ii) this provision supersedes any oral or written contrary agreement now existing or thereafter entered into between or among Network, Network Provider and Members, or persons on their behalf Network shall, and shall require Network Providers to, continue providing services to Members through any post insolvency period in the manner set forth in Section 4.3 hereof or through any period after the termination of this Agreement to the extent necessary to complete a plan of care or plan of treatment initiated prior to termination of this Agreement. Plan shall not alter the provisions contained in this paragraph without the prior written approval of the Secretary or a Director, Superintendent or Commissioner of the DHHS.

 

	
(b)              

	
Refunds and Set-offs. Network shall, and shall require Network Providers to, immediately refund to Plan any and all sums collected by Network Providers from Members to which Network Providers were not entitled under this Agreement, including the Attachments hereto. Such refunds shall take the form of cash payments or setoffs against amounts owed to Network by Plan. When appropriate, Plan shall return to Member such sums improperly charged by Network Providers.

 

	
(c)              

	
Compliance with Plan Provider Manual. Network Provider shall comply with all billing and reporting procedures established by Plan as set forth in the Agreement or the Attachments and Schedules hereto and in the Plan Provider Manual.

 

	
(d)              

	
Prompt Payment. Network agrees when seeking to receive compensation above the Capitation Payment, Provider agrees to submit to Plan properly completed CMS 1500 Form(s) or electronically using the appropriate Plan assigned Provider number for payment of services not included in the Capitation Payment but are included in the List of Bill Aboves included as part of the Attachment B and/or for Plan approved services by ts e twentieth (20th) day following month from when services are provided to Members. Plan agrees to reimburse Provider within 30 days of receipt of a "clean claim" on a properly completed CMS 1500 Form or electronically pursuant to Section 641.3155 Florida Statutes. Failure of Provider to submit the forms within 120 days of the date of service will result in forfeiture of funds due Provider by Plan. Provider ogress not to resubmit any claims already paid or properly denied by Plan unless there is a dispute or medical review. Provider will comply with all other applicable copayment protocols, including all Medicare program protocols.

I

 

  

9

  

 

 

3.13 Insurance

 

	
(a)

	
 Coverage. Network shall maintain such policies of general liability, professional liability, and other insurance as shall be necessary to insure Network and Network's employees or agents against any claim for damages arising by reason of personal injury or death occasioned directly or indirectly in connection with the provision of Covered Services to Members by Network's employees or agents. Network shall also require those Network Providers who provide Primary Care Services to maintain malpractice insurance in the minimum amount of $250,000 per occurrence, $750,000 per aggregate year. Network shall also require Network Providers who are Specialty Physicians to maintain malpractice insurance in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence, $3,000,000 per aggregate year. Network shall, and shall require Network Providers to, secure and maintain, during the term of this Agreement, worker's compensation insurance for all of their employees connected with the work under this Agreement. Such insurance shall comply with Florida's Worker's Compensation law. Network shall maintain current information and documentation regarding this Section 3.12 and shall advise Plan about such insurance, including the name of insurer, policy number, nature and extent of coverage, and expiration date and/or about other arrangements pertaining to malpractice protection. Network shall notify plan not less than ten (10) days prior to any reduction, cancellation, termination or expiration of insurance coverage for Network or Network Providers.

 

	
(b)             

	
Claims. Network shall notify Plan of any claim or cause of action by or relating to a Member filed against Network or a Network Provider within five (5) working days of the Network's receipt of notice that such a claim or cause of action has been filed. Network shall require each Network Provider to notify Network of any claim or cause of action by or relating to a Member filed against such Network Provider within five (5) working days of the Network Provider's receipt of notice that such a claim or cause of action has been filed. Network shall provide Plan with any information regarding such claim or cause of action reasonably requested by Plan.

 

3.14 Referrals

 

	
(a)             

	
Referrals System    Network shall, and shall require its Network

 

	
  

	
Providers to, abide by the referral system approved by Plan pursuant to the Utilization Management Program. Except in cases of Emergency or the onset of a condition requiring Urgently Needed Services, Network Providers shall not make a referral of a Member to a Specialty Physician or a non-Participating Provider for Covered Services without prior approval of the Plan or Network under the Utilization Management Program. Any such referrals shall be made in accordance with approved policies for the provision of Covered Services. If Network Provider wishes to refer a Member to a non-Participating Provider, Network Provider must request a referral in writing to Plan. Network Providers shall furnish to health care providers to whom or to which it has referred a Member complete information on treatment procedures and all pertinent clinical services provided to Member prior to such referral. In the event that non-Emergency services required by a Member are not available from any Participating Provider, non-Participating Providers may be utilized with the prior written consent of Plan only.

 

	
(b)             

	
Limitation on Self-Referrals Network Providers shall not refer Members to himself/herself in Network Provider's capacity as a Specialty Physician in another medical discipline, unless Network and Network Provider has secured the prior written approval of Plan's Medical Director.

 

3.15 Grievances & Appeals

 

Network shall, and shall require Network Providers to, cooperate with Plan in resolving any Members' grievance(s) related to the provision of Covered Services. Network shall notify Plan of any complaints received by Network and Network Providers. Network shall, and shall require Network Providers to, use best efforts to resolve any complaints in a fair and equitable manner. Network shall, and shall require Network Providers to, agree to participate in and cooperate with Plan's Member grievance procedures, as enacted by Plan from time to time, and comply with all fmal determinations rendered in accordance with those procedures.

 

 

  

10

  

 

3.16 Assignment of New Members by Plan

By written notice to Network, Plan's Medical Director may suspend referral of Members to Network if it is determined that Network or Network Providers are not complying with (i) the terms set forth in this Agreement; (ii) Plan's policies and procedures; or (iii) Plan's policy and/or program requirements.

 

3.17 Coordination of Benefits

Network shall, and shall require Network Providers to, cooperate in the implementation of any of Plan's obligations and/or policies and procedures relating to coordination of benefits and other third party claims. Network Providers shall bill when requested by Plan any third party payor for services rendered to Members. Network and Network Providers will, when permitted 45..law, reimburse Plan in the event that payments are received from such payers for Covered Services provided to Members, or assign to Plan all payments owed by such payers, and execute any further documents that may be required or appropriate to permit the Plan to bill and process forms for any third party payer on Network Provider's behalf or to bill such payers directly, as determined by Plan.

 

3.18 Provision of Non-Covered Services

In the event that Network Providers shall provide any Member non-Covered Services, Network Providers shall, prior to the provision of such non-Covered Services, inform the Member (a) of the service(s) to be provided, (b) that Plan will not pay for or be liable for said services, and (c) that the Member will be financially liable for such services as applicable by law.

 

3.19 Acceptance and Treatment of Members

Network agrees, and shall require each Network Provider to agree, to accept Members as patients.

 

3.20 Transfer of Members and Medical Records

 

(a)             Requests to Transfer. As the physician-patient relationship is a personal one and may become unacceptable to either party, Network Provider may request in writing to Plan that a Member be transferred to another Participating Physician. However, Network Provider may not seek to have a Member transferred because of the amount of medical services required by the Member or because of the physical condition of the Member. Network acknowledges that Members have a contractual right to request a transfer to another Participating Physician.

 

(b)             Transfer of Records. In the event of (i) termination of this Agreement, (ii) the selection by a Member of another Participating Physician in accordance with Plan procedures, or (iii) the approval by Plan of a Network Provider's request to transfer a Member from such Network Provider's practice, to another Participating Physician, Network Providers shall transfer copies of Member's medical records, x-rays, and any and all other pertinent data to Plan, and to the new Participating Physician as selected by Member, when requested to do so in writing by Plan or Member. This charge shall be billed at a reasonable charge, not to exceed the amount stated in Florida Statute ch. 395.3025 and shall not be billed to Members, or AHCA or CMS.

 

3.21 Facilities & Environment

Network shall, and shall require Network Providers to, provide a functionally safe and sanitary environment for all Members. The medical service facilities of Network Providers will: (a) reasonably accommodate handicapped individuals, (b) comply with applicable state and local building code and regulations; (c) comply with applicable state and local fire prevention regulations; (d) comply with applicable federal laws and regulations; (c) are inspected at least annually by the local or state fire control agency; (f) contain fire equipment and illuminated signs for cases of emergency evacuation, (g) offer adequate lighting and ventilation, and (h) shall remain clean and properly maintained. Network Providers have in place appropriate procedures to handle medical and other emergencies that may arise in connection with services provided. By written notice to Network, Plan's Medical Director may suspend referral of Members to any Network Providers if it is determined that the facts presented indicate that health or safety of Members could be endangered by such Network Provider's continued participation in Plan.

 

3.22 Signs and Displays

Network Providers shall display in a visible and prominent place any reasonable card, plaque or similar identifying logo provided by Plan to identify Network Providers to Members.

 

3.23 Notification of Changes

Network shall immediately notify Plan in writing upon the occurrence of any of the following:

 

(a)  Any changes to the list of current Network Providers, their addresses and telephone and facsimile numbers.

 

(b)  Any Network Provider's license to practice medicine in the State of Florida is suspended, revoked, terminated, or subject to terms of probation or other restrictions;

 

(c)  The Network or any Network Provider has become a defendant in any malpractice action, receives any pleadings, notices or demands of claim, or service of process relating to alleged malpractice involving a Member, or is required to pay damages in any such action by way of judgment or settlement;

 

(d)  The Network or any Network Provider becomes the subject of any disciplinary proceeding or action before a governmental agency, including any State of Florida depthtment, board, or agency, or a similar entity in any state;

  

(e)  Any Network Provider is convicted of a felony relating directly or indirectly to the practice or conduct of such Network Provider's profession;

 

	
                                 (f) 

	
The Network or any Network Provider is sanctioned by the Medicare program; Any Network Provider's clinical privileges at any hospital are being terminated, canceled or suspended;

 

 

 

  

11

  

 

 

	
(h)  

	
Any Network Provider becomes incapacitated;

 

	
(i)  

	
An act of nature or any event beyond a Network Provider's reasonable control likely to interrupt all or a portion of a Network Provider's practice for a period of sixty (60) consecutive calendar days, or which may have a material adverse effect on the Network Provider's ability to perform his/her/its obligations for this period;

 

Any change in the nature or extent of services rendered by a Network Provider;

 

(k) Any material change or addition to the information and disclosures submitted by Network Provider as part of the application for a contract with Plan or Network to provide Covered Services to Members;

 

(1)Any other act, event, occurrence or the like that might materially affect a Network Provider's ability to carry out his/her/its duties and obligations to Members.

 

(m) If a Network Provider is a corporation, professional association or partnership, any of the above events with respect to a physician or other health professional who owns, is employed by or is otherwise associated with such Network Provider.

 

  3.24 Corporate Representations. Network represents that it has and shall maintain any and all applicable permits and licenses relating to its business and the performance of its obligations under this Agreement. Network is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Florida. Network has full power and authority to own and operate its properties and assets and to conduct and carry on its business as it is now being conducted and operated by Network. This Agreement has been validly executed and delivered by Network and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Network. Network has full power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations under and consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Network does not, and the consummation by Network of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, and the compliance by Network with the provisions hereof will not, (a) conflict with or violate any provision of Network's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; (b) with or without notice or the passage of time or both, constitute, give rise or result in the breach, default or event of default under, or violation of any obligation under, any note, bond, mortgage, deed, license, franchise, permit, lease, contract, agreement, or other instrument, commitment or obligation to which Network is a party and will not violate or conflict with any other material restriction of any kind or character to which Network is subject; (c) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, judgment or ruling of any court or governmental authority applicable to Network; or (d) violate any material statute, law, rule or regulation applicable to Network.(,.)

 

 

  3.25 Professional Corporations or Partnerships. In the event that Network contracts with a Network Provider that is a professional corporation, professional association or partnership rather than an individual Physician or provider, Network agrees to require all of the terms set forth herein to apply with equal force to both the professional corporation, professional association or partnership and the individual physicians or providers associated with such entity. Notwithstanding any interpretation of this Agreement to the contrary, Network agrees, represents and covenants that all of the provisions of this Agreement applicable to Network, unless expressly inapplicable, shall apply with equal force to Network Providers. Network shall represent its Network Providers in matters pertaining to the provision of Covered Services under this Agreement, and Network represents that it has obtained the consent to such representation from its Network Providers.

 

  3.26 Other Contractual Commitments. Network represents and assures Plan that Network's contractual commitments with other health maintenance organizations, competitive medical plans and health related entities do not restrict or impair Network from performing its duties under this Agreement.

 

  3.27 Compliance with Laws. Network shall, and shall require Network Providers to, comply with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations applicable to Network and/or Plan, specifically including, without limitation, all such laws and regulations promulgated by the OIR, the Agency and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Network shall use its best efforts to assist Plan in complying with all applicable laws and regulations.

 

  3.28 Compliance with Plan's Confidentiality Obligations. Network shall keep and maintain confidential all information required to be kept confidential by Plan pursuant to Plan's agreements with other parties, including any agreements relating to proprietary information of such third parties, and Network shall ensure compliance with such obligations by its officers, directors, shareholders, agents, employees, contractors or providers, unless otherwise required by law.

 

  3.29 Credentialing; Composition of Network. Plan shall have primary responsibility for all Credentialing functions under this Agreement, but Network shall assist Plan in carrying out Plan's Credentialing program with respect to prospective Network Providers. Network shall obtain from prospective Network Providers and promptly deliver to Plan all information requested by Plan to make its credentialing determination. Network Providers and all other health professionals employed by, under contract with or associated with Network Providers will be re-credentialed annually. Network agrees to notify Plan immediately of deletions of Network Providers. All Network Providers must be fully credentialed prior to treating Members. Any physician or health professional who is or subsequently becomes associated with a Network Provider shall be required to execute a Network Provider Addendum. Network shall comply with and abide by Plan's implementation of its Credentialing Program. Plan may request that addition

1\1._

  

12

  

 

providers be added as Network Providers under this Agreement. In all such cases, Network shall use its best efforts to obtain the agreement of such providers to become Network Providers. Any such providers shall be credentialed in accordance with Plan's Credentialing Program prior to commencing to provide Covered Services to Members. In addition, Network shall immediately remove any Network Provider as a provider of Covered Services to Members upon the written demand of Plan.

 

3.30 Information Exchange between Network and Plan. Network covenants that Network shall communicate with and transmit data and information to Plan's management information systems in such a manlier as to not cause any disruption in the business of Plan or the performance of Plan's duties and obligations as set forth in this Agreement. Network shall use best efforts to ensure that any computer software which is used by Network to provide services hereunder or which could have an effect on the services delivered hereunder can operate dates correctly, including dates occurring before, on and after January 1, 2000.

 

3.31 Financial Information Due to Plan. Upon execution of this Agreement and at any time that changes occur to such information, Network shall provide Plan with copies of filings with the Secretary of State regarding its legal structure, a complete record of the ownership structure and a listing of owners (including ownership percentages) for both itself and any parent organizations, and a federal Form W-9 verifying its federal tax identification number. Network shall also provide Plan with its quarterly financial statements prepared in accordance with either federal income tax regulations or Generally Accepted Accounting Principles no later than 90 days after the end of each fiscal quarter and with either (1) its fiscal year-end financial statements with an audit or review report from an independent certified public accountant no later than 120 days after the end of each fiscal year or (2) a copy of its complete federal income tax return (including all attachments or exhibits) when filed with the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, Network will provide Plan with any other financial information pertaining to itself requested by Plan within five business days of the receipt of such request. Plan agrees not to divulge, disclose, use, disseminate, distribute, or copy for any purpose whatsoever, other than to evaluate the ownership and economic viability of Network, any of the foregoing information (herein called "Confidential Information"). Notwithstanding any other provision of this covenant to the contrary, this covenant shall not apply to any Confidential Information which (a) is, or may become, public other than by breach of this covenant by Plan, or (b) is or was otherwise in Plan's possession on the effective date of this Agreement, or (c) was or becomes available to Plan on a non-confidential basis from a source other than Network, provided that such source is not known by Foundation to be bound by a confidentiality agreement with, or other obligation of security to, Network. If Plan is ordered or requested by a court order or other governmental directive to disclose any of the Confidential Information, it shall promptly notify Network in order to permit Network to seek a protective order or to take other appropriate action. 114('

 

3.32 Provider Incentive Plan (PIP) disclosure.

Network agrees to disclose to Plan, upon request and within thirty (30) days or such lesser period of time required for Plan to comply with all applicable state or federal laws, all of the terms and conditions of any payment arrangement that constitutes a "Provider incentive plan" as defined by CMS and/or any federal law or regulation from its Network Providers. Such disclosure should identify, at a minimum, whether the services not furnished by the Network Providers are included, the type of incentive plan including the amount identified as a percentage, of any withhold or bonus, the amount and type of any stop-loss coverage provided for or required of the Network Provider, and the patient panel size broken down by total group or individual Network Provider panel size, and by the type of insurance coverage (i.e., Commercial HMO, Medicare Advantage HMO, Medicare PPO and Medicaid HMO).

 

IV. Governmental Requirements

 

4.1 Maintenance of Records

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Network shall, and shall require Network Providers to, maintain complete and accurate fiscal records, as well as medical and social records applying solely to Members for whom Network or Network Providers have claimed and received payment. Network Provider shall maintain such records as are necessary for evaluation of the quality, appropriateness and timeliness of services performed under this Agreement. Said records will be made available for fiscal audit, medical audit, medical review, utilization management, AHCA audit and other periodic monitoring upon request of authorized representatives of Plan or any governmental agency. Network shall, and shall require Network Providers to, comply with requirements issued as a result of any such inspection or audit. Plan shall withhold from Network's compensation under Attachment B any and all amounts determined to be payable to Plan by Network or Network Providers as a result of such audits and any state and federal disallowance's lawfully imposed on Plan as a result of Network or any Network Provider's failure to abide by the terms of this Agreement. Said records shall be retained for a period of at least ten (10) years after starting date of the applicable retention period or until resolution of any ongoing audit occurs.

 

4.2Indemnification

 

(a)Plan Indemnification. Plan agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Network and its employees, agents, independent contractors, officers and directors against any and all claims, damages, causes of action, cost or expense, including court costs and reasonable attorney's fees which may arise and/or be incurred in connection with or as a result of the grossly negligent or willfully wrongful performance of Plan under this Agreement. This clause shall survive termination of this Agreement regardless of the reason for termination, including breach of this Agreement due to insolvency.

 

 

  

13

  

 

(b)Network Indemnification. Network shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Plan, its employees, agents, independent contractors, officers and Board of Directors, AHCA, OIR, CMS and Members from and against all claims, damages, causes of action, cost or expense, including court costs and reasonable attorney's fees, which may arise from any negligent act or other wrongful conduct by Network or Network Providers under this Agreement, including, without limitation, a breach of this Agreement This clause shall survive termination of this Agreement regardless of the reason for termination, including breach of this Agreement due to insolvency.

 

4.3Continuing Obligation Upon Termination

 

(a) Network shall require Network Provider(s) that in the event of Plan's insolvency or termination of Plan's contract with CMS, benefits to Members will continue through the period for which premium has been paid and benefits to Members confined in an impatient facility will continue until their discharge (b) Network agrees to require Network Provider(s) to provide or arrange for continued treatment, including, but not limited to, medication therapy, to Medicare Advantage members upon expiration or termination of the Agreement. In accordance with all applicable state and federal lays, rules and/or regulations treatment must continue until the Member: (i) has been evaluated by a new participating provider who has had a reasonable opportunity to review or modify the Medicare Advantage Member's course of treatment , or until Plan has made arrangements for substitute care for the Medicare Advantage Member; and (ii) until the date of discharge for Medicare Advantage Members hospitalized on the effective date of termination or expiration of the Agreement. Network agrees to accept as payment in full from Plan for Covered Services rendered to Plan Members, the rates set forth in the payment attachment which are applicable to such Member.

 

4.4 Termination by Network Providers

Network shall require Network Providers to provide AHCA and OIR sixty (60) days' notice of any intended termination of its agreement with Network or Plan.

 

4.5 Independent Network Provider

 

It is expressly agreed that Plan, Network and Network Providers, in the performance of their obligations under this Agreement, are at all times performingmas independent contractors. No act, work, commission, or omission by eithernmparty, its agents, servants, contractors, or employees, pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be construed to make or render Plan, Network or Network Providers an agent, servant, employee of, or joint venturer with, the other. Network Providers shall be solely responsible and liable for all medical care, advice and treatments rendered or prescribed to Members.

 

 

V.Restrictive Covenants

 

5.1 Non-Solicitation of Members.

During the effective term of this Agreement and any of its amendments, and for a period of one (1) year following the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement or any of its amendments for any reason, neither Network nor Network Providers shall require any Member to disenroll from the Plan for any reason, nor shall Network or Network Provider solicit Plan's Members on their own behalf or on behalf of another person or entity. By way of example but not limitation, neither Network nor Network Providers shall solicit Members through meetings, visits, telephone calls, or individual letters. This Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

5.2Confidentiality

Network agrees, and shall require Network Providers to agree, that all information regarding Plan and Members is highly confidential ("Confidential Information"). Network acknowledges, and shall require Network Providers to acknowledge, that all such Confidential Information is confidential and proprietary to Plan and that such Confidential Information shall not be disclosed or used for Network's own or any other entity's benefit or gain either during the term of this Agreement or after the date of expiration or termination of this Agreement for any reason without Plan's written consent unless required by law. Both Plan and Network agree and acknowledge that this section shall survive the termination of this Agreement., therefore, in addition to any remedies otherwise available to Plan, Plan shall be entitled to injunctive or equitable relief to enjoin or restrain Provider or any related individual from violating this Section.

 

5.3Enforcement.

Both parties hereunto further agree that any violation of this Article V by Network or Network Providers shall result in irreparable injury to Plan. In the event of an actual or threatened breach by Network or Network Provider of this Agreement, Plan shall be entitled to an injunction restraining Network and/or Network Provider from engaging in the prohibited conduct or, if applicable, requiring Network to take all necessary action to prevent Network Providers from engaging in such prohibited conduct. If the court should hold that the duration and/or scope of the covenants contained in this Section are unreasonable, then, to the extent permitted by law, the court may prescribe duration and/or scope that is reasonable; and Plan and Network agree to accept such determination, subject to their rights of appeal. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting Plan from pursuing any other remedies available for such breach or threatened breach, including the recovery of damages from Network. In the event of any action or proceeding to enforce the provisions of this Section, the prevailing party shall be reimbursed by the other party for all costs and attorneys' fees incurred in such action proceeding.

 

  

14

  

	  

 

 

 

For purposes of this Section 6.3(a), if Network Provider is a corporation, professional association or partnership, the term Network Provider shall include

 

VI. Term and Termination

 

6.1 Term

The term of this Agreement shall commence on the date first written above, and shall continue in effect for one (1) year from the date hereof. Thereafter, this Agreement shall automatically renew for additional one (1) year periods unless either party notifies the other party of its intention not to renew this Agreement at least sixty (60) days prior to any renewal date of this Agreement or this Agreement is earlier terminated as provided herein.

 

6.2 Immediate Automatic Termination

 

This Agreement shall automatically terminate solely with respect to particular Network Providers immediately upon the occurrence of the following:

 

(a)License Revocation. Such Network Provider's license to practice medicine, or the license of any of the principal physicians or other health professionals in association with such Network Provider, is revoked in any State;

 

(a)Conviction of Felony. If such Network Provider or any of the physicians or health professionals associated or affiliated with such Network Provider is convicted of a felony.

 

6.3 Termination with Cause by Plan

This Agreement may be terminated immediately by Plan with cause. "Cause" for immediate termination is the following:

 

(a)Pertaining to Particular Network Providers. With respect to a particular Network Provider, this Agreement may be terminated by Plan for Cause with respect to such Network Provider upon any of the following occurrences:

 

(i)  Failure of such Network Provider to comply with the medical community standards of medical practice;

 

(ii)  Failure of such Network Provider to meet credentialing standards and other requirements of Plan;

 

(iii)  such Network Provider's failure to obtain or maintain Medicare approved provider status; or

 

(iv)  such Network Provider engages in any of the conduct listed in Section 6.3(b).  physician or other health professional who owns, is employed by or is affiliated with such Network Provider.

 

(b) Pertaining to the Network. This Agreement may be terminated in its entirety by Plan upon:

 

(i)  Material breach of terms and conditions of this Agreement by Network;

 

(ii)  The willful breach, habitual neglect, or continued failure of Network or Network Providers to abide by Plan's rules, procedures, policies or any other activity for which Network has received notice;

 

(iii)  Commission of an act of fraud or theft against Plan;

 

(iv)  Good faith determination by Plan that continuation of Agreement may result in danger to the health, safety or welfare of any Plan Member;

 

(v)  The bankruptcy or insolvency of Network;

 

(vi)  Quality of Care issues;

 

(vii)  Claims funds deficits for two consecutive quarters; or

 

6.4 Termination With Cause by Network Provider

Network may terminate this Agreement for cause upon sixty (60) days' written notice, which notice shall set forth the grounds for termination, and Plan's failure to cure such breach within such sixty (60) day period. "Cause" is limited to the following for purposes of this Section:

 

(a)  a material breach of any provisions of this Agreement by Plan. Non-payment by Plan for goods or services rendered by Network Provider shall not be a valid reason for avoiding the sixty (60) days advance notice of cancellation; or

 

(b)  a conviction for an act of fraud or theft by Plan against Network Provider.

 

6.5 Termination Without Cause

Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may not terminate this Agreement without cause during the Medicare Lock in Period. Upon sixty (60) days written notice to the other party hereto, the agreement may be terminated during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period.

 

6.6 Termination of Medicare Contract

 

Unless otherwise agreed to between Plan and CMS, this Agreement will terminate (with respect to Medicare Members) upon the termination or non renewal of the

 

Medicare Provider agreement between CMS/DHHS and the Plan (the "Medicare Agreement"). Plan will give notice to Network of the non-renewal or termination of the Medicare Agreement and the date on which such will expire or terminate.

 

6.7Notice of Termination

Network shall provide AHCA and OIR with sixty (60) days' notice of any intended termination of the Agreement. The Plan shall provide notice of any such termination by Network to AHCA and OR within ten (10) days of receipt of such notice.

 

6.8Obligation Upon Termination

 

(a)             Provision of Services. Without limiting the provisions of Sections 3.11(a) and 4.3, in the event this Agreement is terminated for any reason, Network Providers shall complete the course of treatment of any Member then receiving treatment in accordance with the terms hereof until provision has been made by Plan for the reassignment of such Member to another Participating Provider for further treatment, it being understood that the obligation of Network under this Agreement to the extent they pertain to Covered Services provided prior to termination, shall survive termination. Network Providers shall continue to provide services through any post insolvency period. Payment to Network for such services beyond termination date shall be made under the same terms and conditions as provided for under this Agreement. At Plan's sole option, Plan may elect to retain the services of the Network Providers under the terms and conditions of the Network Provider Addendum.

 

(b)             Member Hold Harmless. Network Provider hereby agrees that in no event, including but not limited to, non-payment by Plan, Plan insolvency, or breach of this Agreement by either party, shall Network Provider(s) bill, charge, collect a deposit from, seek compensation, remuneration or reimbursement from, or have any recourse against a Member, or person acting on their behalf other than the Plan for covered services provided by Network Provider(s) for which payment is the legal obligation of Plan. Without limiting the generality of any of the foregoing, Network Provider shall not balance bill any Member. This provision shall not prohibit collection by Network Provider(s) from Member for any non-covered service and/pr Copayments in accordance with the terms of the applicable Member health benefits contract. Network Provider(s) further agrees that (a) this provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement regardless of the cause giving rise to termination and shall be construed to be for the benefit of the Member, and that (b) this provision supersedes any oral or written contrary agreement now existing or hereafter entered into between Network(s) Provider and Member, or persons acting on their behalf; and (c) this provision shall apply to all employees, agents, trustees, assignees, subcontractors, and independent contractors of Networ k)..... 

 

  

15

  

 

Provider(s), and Network Provider(s) shall obtain from such person specific agreement to this provision. The Network Provider(s) agrees to continue providing services to Members through any post insolvency period. Plan shall not alter the provisions contained in this paragraph without the prior written approval of the Secretary or a Director, Superintendent or Commissioner of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

 

(c)             Return of Documents. Upon the termination of this Agreement, Network agrees to return any and all Plan provided materials, provider manuals, or other documentation, related to its business, including all copies thereof, whether authorized or not to Plan.

 

(d)             Transfer of Members. Following termination of this Agreement, Network Provider will cooperate with Plan in the orderly transfer of (i) Members that may have been assigned to Network Provider, and (ii) the Members' Medical Records.

 

6.9Order by Office of Insurance Regulation

This Agreement may be terminated upon issuance of order by the OIR requiring such termination pursuant to section 641.234, Florida Statute, or any successor statute.

 

VII. Financial Guarantee and Licensure Required. Network understands and agrees that the capitation described in Attachment B represents payment in full for services rendered by Network Providers and to any agent or sub-contractor utilized by Network, as well as for Network's administrative services under this Agreement. Network understands that it is obligated to make payments to its network providers in accordance with timely payment regulations as outlined by Florida Statutes. Furthermore, Network will provide a Letter of Credit (LOC) in a format acceptable to the Plan, equal to $250,000.00 This LOC can be drawn upon by Plan in the event that Network fails to meet its fiduciary obligation to pay its Network Providers as required by this Agreement and by prevailin insurance law.

 

In the event that any of Network's agents or sub-contractors are paid on a fee-for-service basis, Network agrees that it either (a) is a licensed Third Party Administrator as governed by Florida Statutes or (b) has a contractual arrangement with a Florida licensed Third Party Administrator for the provision of such claims payment services, and that such relationship is disclosed to Plan. Additionally, within ten (10) days of downstream providers receiving payment, Provider agrees to provide information to Plan on such payments. Network agrees to utilize Plan's delivery system including admitting panel services as specified by Plan.

 

VIII. General Terms

 

8.1Modification and Assignment of this Agreement

The terms and sections included hereunto and the Agreement executed by the parties together embody all of the terms and conditions relating to the Agreement between the parties, and all oral and parole representations or statements made by either party prior to the execution of this Agreement are merged herein. Plan may amend this Agreement and any Addendum, Attachment or Schedule, hereto upon ninety (90) days written notice to Network, which notice shall include information regarding a change in benefits, Copayments and applicable policies and procedures. Failure of Network to object in writing to such amendment during the ninety (90) day notice period shall constitute acceptance of such amendment by Provider. Except as described above, the provisions of this Agreement may not be amended, supplemented, waived or changed orally or by course of conduct of the parties but only by a written and signed document by the party by whom enforcement is sought and which shall make specific reference to this Agreement. This Agreement, being intended to secure the services of the Network, shall not be assigned, sublet, delegated, or transferred by Network without the prior written consent of Plan, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Plan may assign this Agreement in whole or in part except to another Plan contracted provider or MSO. In the event Plan terminates its Medicare business, this Agreement will be automatically assigned to Humana. Provider will have the right to request assignment of this Agreement to Humana on the effective date of any changes in Plan's Medicare benefits that result in an actuarial valuation of Plan's benefits that is less than the benefits offered by Humana. If either party decides

not to terminate the Agreement, even though it has the right to do so in a particular instance, such decision shall not be considered a waiver of its right to terminate on a future occasion of the same or any other reason.

 

8.2Severability

The invalidity or unenforceability of any terms or provisions hereof shall in no

way affect the validity or enforceability of any other terms or provisions.

 

8.3Headings

All section headings contained in this Agreement are to be considered for reference purposes only, and are not intended to define or limit the scope of any provisions of this Agreement.

 

 

8.4 Entire Agreement

This Agreement supersedes all prior understandings and agreements, whether written or oral, between the parties, and together with all Attachments, Schedules and Addendum and other appendices to it, shall be considered as the Agreement by and between Plan and Network.

 

8.5 Conformance with Law

Network and Network Provider(s) agree to comply with and be subject to all applicable Medicare program laws, rules and regulations, reporting requirements, and CMS instructions as implemented and amended by CMS. This includes, without limitation, federal and state regulatory agencies' including, but not limited to, HHS, the Comptroller General or their designees rights to evaluate, inspect and audit Network and/or Network Provider(s) operations, books records, and other documentation and pertinent information related to Network and Network Provider(s) obligations under the Agreement, as well as all other federal and state laws, rules and regulations applicable to individuals and entities receiving federal funds. Network and Network Provider(s) further agrees HHS', the Comptroller General's, or their designees right to inspect, evaluate and audit any pertinent information for any particular contract period will exist through ten (10) years from the final date of the contract period between Plan and CMS or from the date of completion of any audit, whichever is later, and agrees to cooperate, assist and provider information as requested by such entities. Network shall require Network Provider(s) that all health care professionals employed by or under contract with Network or Network Provider(s), including all Covering Physicians, render Covered Services in accordance with this provision. This Agreement shall be automatically amended to the extent necessary to comply with the requirements of the state and/or federal law. In the event that any provision in this Agreement conflicts with the requirements of any applicable Medicare program provision, this Agreement shall be deemed modified to comply with such provisions of those programs.

 

 

  

16

  

 

8.6 Governing Law and Venue

This Agreement has been executed and delivered and shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida. Any action by any party whether at law or in equity, shall be commenced and maintained and venue shall exclusively be in the State of Florida.

 

8.7Third Party Beneficiaries

This Agreement shall not be construed to create any third party beneficiaries, including without limitation, Members.

 

8.8Cumulative Remedies

Remedies provided for in this Agreement shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any other remedies available to either party and shall not be deemed waivers or substitutions for any action or remedy the parties may have under law or equity.

 

8.9 Gender and Number

When the context of this Agreement requires, the gender of all words shall include the masculine, feminine, neuter and the number of all words shall include the singular and plural.

 

8.10 Execution

This Agreement and any amendments may be executed in multiple originals, each counterpart shall be deemed an original, but all counterparts together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

8.11 Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable nor deemed to be in default for any delay or failure in

performance under this Agreement or other interruption of service or employment

deemed resulting, directly or indirectly, from acts of God, civil or military authority, acts of public enemy, war, accidents, fires, explosions, earthquakes, floods, failure of transportation, strikes or other work interruptions by either party's employees, or any similar or dissimilar cause beyond the reasonable control of either party; provided, however, in the event the provision of Covered Services is substantially interrupted, Plan shall have the right to terminate this Agreement upon ten (10) days prior written notice to Network

 

8.12 Authority

Each signatory to this Agreement represents and warrants that he/she/it possesses all necessary capacity and authority to act for, sign and bind the respective entity on whose behalf he is signing.

 

8.13 Costs and Fees

hi the event of any litigation by any party to enforce or defend its rights under the Agreement, the prevailing party, in addition to all other relief, shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees.

 

8.14 Delegation Requirement

Network agrees in the event certain identified activity(ies) have been delegated to Network under this Agreement, any sub-delegated of the noted activity(ies) by Network requires the prior written approval of Plan. Notwithstanding anything of the contrary in the Agreement, Pan will monitor Network's performance of any delegated activity(ies) on an ongoing basis and hereby retains the right to modify, suspend or revoke such delegated activity(ies) in the event Plan and/or CMS determine, in their discretion, that Network is not meeting or has failed to meet its obligations under the Agreement related to such delegated activity(ies). In the event that Plan has delegated all or any part of the claims payment process to Network under the Agreement, Provider shall comply with all prompt payment requirements to which Plan is subject. Plan agrees that it shall review the credentials of Network or, if Plan has delegated the credentialing process to Network, Plan shall review and approve Network's credentialing process and audit it on an ongoing basis.

 

8.15 Notices

Any notices and other communications to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand or five days after such notice is mailed, by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed to such party as follows:

 

If to Network:

 

Manuel Iglesias, Esq.

Palm Medical Network, LLC 7925 NW 12th Street

 

Suite 321

 

Miami, FL 33126

 

If to Plan:

 

CarePlus Health Plans, Inc. 8200 NW 41 Street, Suite 305 Doral, Florida 33166

 

Attn. Provider Operations

 

or such other addresses shall be furnished in writing by any party to the other party.

 

 

 

  

17

  

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.

 

	

CAREPLUS HEALTH PLANS, INC. 

	 	 	PALM MEDICAL NETWORK, LLC	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	
/s/

	 	 	
/s/ 

	 
	
Name

	 	 	
Name 

	 
	
Title 

	 	 	
Title

	 

 

 

FEDERAL ID: 06-1829158

 

NPI #:                                                                     

 

  

18

  

ATTACHMENT A

 

PRIMARY CARE SERVICES

 

Primary health care encompasses medically necessary medical care that is provided or prescribed by Member's assigned Provider for prevention of disease and the first level of care for diagnosis and treatment of a non-occupational illness or injury, and includes all services customarily provided in a Primary Care Physician's office as well as services customarily provided by an attending Primary Care Physician to institutionalized patients. Provider agrees to provide these Covered Services offered by Plan with the exception of hospital services and vision care services. By way of illustration and not limitation, the following services are considered Primary Care Services. These services are to be provided in accordance with Plan's policies and procedures.

 

General Primary Care Services:

	
1.  

	
ROUTINE OFFICE VISITS - including biometric evaluations, diagnosis and treatment of illness/injury.

 

	
2.  

	
HOSPITAL VISITS (In the event a Hospital Group does not exist) - personal attendance with the patient including skilled nursing or extended care facility.

 

	
3.  

	
PERIODIC HEALTH APPRAISAL - all routine tests performed in a Primary Care Physician's office (i.e. Health Check-Up).

 

	
4.  

	
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS - with Members.

 

	
5.  

	
ACUTE MINOR ILLNESS/INJURY

 

	
6.  

	
CHRONIC ILLNESS/INJURY

 

	
7.  

	
IMMUNIZATIONS - in accordance with accepted medical practices.

 

	
8.  

	
INJECTIONS - in accord with accepted medical practices (excluding chemotherapy).

 

	
9.  

	
ROUTINE DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY PROCEDURES - all routine procedures performed in a Primary Care Physician's office, including but not limited to CBC test, urinalyses, stool analyses for occult blood and pregnancy tests.

 

	
10.  

	
EYE AND EAR EXAMINATIONS - for vision and hearing correction.

 

	
11.  

	
DIAGNOSIS AND REFERRAL OF ALCOHOLISM/DRUG ABUSE

 

	
12.  

	
HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICES AND REFERRAL - (e.g. family planning, STDs)

 

	
13.  

	
MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES - related to treatment in a Primary Care Physician's office (e.g. gauze, tape, band-aid and other routine medical supplies).

 

	
14.  

	
MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES - all services normally provided in a Primary Care Physician's office.

 

	
15.  

	
ROUTINE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS - routine tests, x-rays, and electrocardiograms, including interpretation. This may include chest and bone x-rays, Pap smears and any test customarily provided in Primary Care Physician's office which Provider is qualified to provide by license, certification, and state and/or federal law.

 

	
16.  

	
MEDICAL RISK ASSESSMENT AND PREVENTIVE CARE SERVICES - (e.g. well woman care, adult health screenings, well child/care evaluations)

 

 

  

19

  

 

ATTACHMENT C

 

Admitting Privileges at Plan's Participating Hospitals

 

 I have received the list of Plan's Participating Hospitals and hereby declare that I have admitting privileges at the following Participating Hospitals:

 

 

 I hereby declare that I do not have admitting privileges at a Participating Hospital, and agree to utilize Plan's Admitting Panel for admission of Members to Hospitals.

 

Dr (s).  has (have) agreed to admit to Participating Hospital and to provide inpatient medical services to Members who have been assigned to my practice. A copy of the Acceptance Letter (attached as Attachment D to this Attachment C) from

 

Dr(s). will be forwarded to both credentialing and contract files.

 

The following physicians will provide 24 hours/365 days admission and inpatient management services for Members assigned to my practice.

 

Name ____________________________________________________

 

Address __________________________________________________

 

Phone ____________________________________________________

 

Fax ______________________________________________________

 

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

 

NAME TITLE DATE

  

20

  

 

ATTACHMENT D

 

COVERING PHYSICIAN AGREEMENT

 

I, Dr.    ___________________________   do hereby agree to provide coverage for Dr. ______________________________________   a Primary Care Physician for CarePlus Health Plans, Inc. ("Plan") during the period from ____________________________   to __________________________ pursuant to the following terms and conditions:

 

	
1.  

	
I hereby acknowledge that I have received the Plan Provider Manual which indicates Participating

 

	
  

	
Provider Policies and Procedures of Plan and agree to accept and comply with the policies and procedures stated therein when attending Members who are patients of Dr.

 

	
  

	
(Fa. Stat. 458.320 (2) (c).

 

	
2.  

	
I understand and agree that any failure to adhere to the Manual may lead to the cancellation of this

 

	
  

	
Covering Physician Agreement. (Fla. Stat. 458.320 (2) (a).

 

	
3.  

	
I hereby assure that services shall be available on a 24-hour a day/7 days a week basis during the period

of my coverage. I further agree to be personally liable to Plan, Members and Dr.

 for the payment of all healthcare services, rendered in violation of protocols contained in the Manual, or for referrals to "non-participating health care providers" not authorized by Plan's Medical Director.

 

	
4.  

	
I hereby agree to look solely to Dr. for of my professional health care services

 

	
  

	
rendered to Members and, with the exception of any copayments, deductibles or coinsurance fee required, will not assert at any time a claim for compensation against Member for delivered health care services.

 

	
5.  

	
I hereby agree to accept, as full payment for Covered Services rendered to Members, the amounts which

are paid to me by Dr.for services rendered to Members.

 

6,I have not been and am not currently sanctioned, suspended, debarred, or excluded by the Medicare or

Medicaid program or any other federal or state programs or am otherwise prohibited from providing services to Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries.

 

I hereby agree to comply with Plan's credentialing requirements and will provide Plan with all necessary credentialing information.

 

	 	 	 	 	 
	
 

	 	 	
 

	 
	

Signature

	 	 	
 

	 
	

Print Name

	 	 	

Tax ID Number/NPI Number

	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	

Medical License Number 

	 	 	
DEA Number

	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	
Professional Liability Insurer and Policy Number (Attach Copy

	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	 Liability Limits:   	 Per Occurrence 	 	 Aggregate per year	 

 

 

 

 

Hospital Privileges:

 

 

 

  

21

  

 

 

 

 

                                                               

 

 

ATTACHMENT E

 

MALPRACTICE INSURANCE WAIVER

 

I have decided not to obtain malpractice insurance. As a continuing condition for the provision of services to Members, I will comply with Section 458.320, Florida Statutes, by:

 

Please Check Appropriate Item:

 

  Maintaining an unexpired irrevocable letter of credit in an amount not less than

$250,000 per claim with a minimum aggregate of not less than $750,000. (submit copy)

 

  Maintaining an escrow account consisting of cash or assets in an amount not less

than $250,000 per claim with a minimum aggregate of not less than $750,000. (submit copy)

 

  "Going Bare": I Agree to be personally responsible for the payment of any

settlement of final judgment up to $250,000 within (60) days after the date such becomes final.

 

"Going Bare" requires the following statement prominently displayed in the patient reception area notifying patients that you-have decided not to carry medical malpractice insurance (submit proof):

 

"Under Florida law, physicians are generally required to carry medical malpractice insurance or otherwise demonstrate financial responsibility to cover potential claims for medical malpractice. YOUR DOCTOR HAS DECIDED NOT TO CARRY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE INSURANCE. This is permitted under Florida law subject to certain conditions. Florida law imposes penalties against noninsured physicians who fail to satisfy adverse judgments arising from claims of medical malpractice. This notice is provided pursuant to Florida law."

 

 

 

	
Physician Signature Date

	  
	
Print Name

	  	  

 

	
HEALTH OLANS.INC

 

 

  

22

  

 

 

 

ATTACHMENT B

 

MEDICARE COMPENSATION SCHEDULE

 

This Attachment is to be included as part of the Network Agreement and is effective as of the 1st day of by and between "Plan" and "Network".

 

WHEREAS, Plan and Network are parties to that certain attached Network Agreement dated   (the "Agreement") under which Network and its Network Providers provide Covered Services to individuals enrolled in Plan; and

 

WHEREAS, Plan and Network desire to supplement the Agreement as set forth herein;

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereby agree to supplement the Agreement as follows:

 

Network and Network Providers' compensation for the provision of Primary Care Services to Members assigned to Network Providers ("Assigned Members") shall be determined as follows:

 

1.            Plan Administrative Fees

 

The Plan will receive the monthly CMS premium payment for each Member assigned to a Network Provider and deduct the Plan Administrative Fees set forth in Exhibit 1 to this Attachment B.

 

2.            Fee-for-Service & Capitation Fees

 

As compensation for arranging for the provision of Primary Care Covered Services to Assigned Members, Plan will pay certain Network Providers PCP Fee-for-Service Fees as stated in Exhibit 1 to this Attachment B within 30 days of receipt of a properly-completed claim form. All payments of PCP Fee-for-Service Fees, and Network Administration Fees shall be deducted from the Claims Fund.

 

Plan will then pay certain Network Providers a Monthly Capitation Fee equal to the amount set forth in Exhibit 1 to this Attachment B no later than the 15th day of each month. The Monthly Capitation Fee may be adjusted by Plan at any time following three consecutive months of Net Deficits in the Claims Fund effective after thirty (30) days written notice to Providers. Any such adjustment will be limited to the cumulative Net Deficit from the reconciliations for the most recent three months (as of the date of the notice) determined under Section 3 on a per member per month basis. All payments of the Capitation Fee shall be deducted from the Claims Fund.

 

3.            Claims Fund

 

	
A. 

	
Claims Fund. Plan will segregate into a separate accounting fund the remaining premium funds received from CMS for Assigned Members assigned to Network Providers after deduction of the Plan Administrative Fee described above (the "Net Medicare Revenue"). The funds so segregated are referred to within this Agreement as the "Claims Fund". From the Claims Fund, Plan will pay (1) the Capitation Fees and PCP Fee-for-Service Fees described in Section 2 and (2) all other costs and charges (to include incurred but not reported) for Covered services and other benefits rendered to Assigned Members by any provider.

 

	
B.  

	
Reconciliations. Plan will prepare an accounting reconciliation of the Claims Fund no later than four months after the end of each month using at least three months of subsequent paid claims data and CMS payment retroactivity. In the event of termination of this Agreement, Plan will prepare a final accounting through the termination date no later than seven months after the termination date. The final accounting statement will include at least six months of subsequent paid claims data with dates of service through the termination date and an actuarially-determined accrual for unpaid claims as of the date paid claims are cut off. Requests by Provider for adjustment to either a reconciliation report or a distribution must be in writing and received by Plan within ninety (90) days following receipt by Network of such report or distribution. Network shall be deemed to have waived its right to request adjustment of a Report or Distribution if its request for adjustment is not received by Plan within such ninety (90) day period.

 

	
C.  

	
Surpluses and Deficits. Any excess of Net Medicare Revenue credited to the Claims Fund over Expenses debited from the Claims Fund for the same period is defined as a Net Surplus; any excess of Expenses debited from the Claims Fund over Net Medicare Revenue credited to the Claims Fund for the same period is defined as a Net Deficit. Whenever Claims Fund reconciliations are prepared, the aggregate Net Surpluses and Net Deficits since the beginning of the Claims Fund through the month being reconciled shall be continuously recalculated and netted against each other to determine a running total of Net Surpluses and Net Deficits. Network's share of all Net Surpluses and Net Deficits in the Claims Fund will be as defined in Exhibit 1 to this Attachment B.

 

	
D.  

	
Settlements. When Claims Fund reconciliations are prepared, Provider's cumulative share of the Deficits and Surpluses within the Claims Fund will be netted against each other and reduced by any previous payments between Plan and Provider. Provider's share of any Net Surplus will be allocated to the Reserve Fund described in Section E until the Reserve Fund Balance defined in Section E is fully funded. Any Net Deficit will be subtracted from the Reserve Fund to the extent that such Reserve Fund balance exists from the preceding reconciliation.

 

 

 

  

23

  

 

On the same date as delivery of each monthly reconciliation, Plan will promptly pay Provider its share of any undistributed Net Surplus subject to the funding requirements of the Reserve Fund as described in Section E below. If the reconciliation results in a Net Deficit in excess of the Reserve Fund available to offset such Net Deficit, Provider shall have thirty (30) days from the receipt of the reconciliation to pay Plan the portion of such Net Deficit not covered by the Reserve Fund. If Provider elects not to pay within 30 days, Plan may be reimbursed from any future payments due from Plan to Provider under this Agreement through withholds from such payments. Any Net Deficit shown on any reconciliation prepared after the termination date of this Agreement must be paid by Provider within the thirty-day period following delivery of the reconciliation.

 

	
  

	
E. Reserve Fund. A reserve fund to cover potential future Deficits ("Reserve Fund") shall be established and maintained as a separate account from the Claims Fund for the purpose of offsetting any Net Deficits that arise within the Claims Fund. The Reserve Fund will be maintained at a level no greater than the amount specified in Exhibit 1 to this Attachment B (the "Maximum Reserve Fund Balance"). The Reserve Fund balance will be adjusted monthly each time a Claims Fund reconciliation is prepared. The Reserve Fund will be funded with Provider's share of any Net Surpluses created within the Claims Fund and will be utilized exclusively to offset future Net Deficits in the Claims Fund. Once the Maximum Reserve Fund Balance defined above has been funded, Provider's share of any remaining Net Surplus shall be disbursed to Provider in accordance with Section D above. The balance of the Reserve Fund will be released back in to Net Surplus in the final Claims Fund reconciliation prepared as of the Termination Date of this Agreement

 

4. Reinsurance

 

	
A.  

	
Independent Reinsurance. Network will maintain stop-loss reinsurance for those Assigned Members assigned to its Network Providers throughout the term of this Agreement. Such reinsurance will have stop loss limits no greater than $150,000 per Member per year for all fee-for-service medical claims paid for each Member assigned to Network Providers, excluding pharmacy costs, capitation costs and PCP Fee-for-Service Fees (or any other amount mutually determined by Plan and Network or any lesser amount required by federal or state regulations). Network may obtain its own independent reinsurance as of the first day of any calendar quarter with written approval from Plan. Full documentation of such reinsurance must be provided to Plan at least 15 days prior to the effective date and updated upon request from Plan. The premiums for any independent reinsurance policy will be paid by Network. Any reimbursement or payments from such reinsurance coverage will be credited to and deposited within the Claims Fund.

 

	
B.  

	
Internal Reinsurance. If Network does not have its own independent reinsurance policy approved by the Plan, Network will participate in the Plan's reinsurance program. The stop loss thresholds for the Plan's programs are either $150,000 or $30,000 per Member per calendar year for all fee-for-service medical claims paid for each assigned Member, excluding pharmacy and capitation costs. When participating in Plan's program, a per member per month premium will be deducted from the Claims Fund and allocated to a Reinsurance Fund maintained by Plan on a monthly basis. Plan retains the right to establish and adjust its reinsurance premiums or to modify its coverage provisions at any time with sixty (60) days written notice to Network. Any amounts paid from the Plan's Reinsurance Fund on account of Assigned Members to the Network Providers shall be credited to, and deposited within, the Claims Fund.

 

 

	
HEALTH PLANS INC

 

5.Transfers

 

Network or Network Providers may not seek the transfer of a Member due to utilization of medical services or physical condition. Plan reserves the right to review and audit, at reasonable times and upon demand, any and all Network Provider records and reports relating to health services provided to Assigned Members, including communications between Network or Network Providers and Assigned Members, whether or not the Assigned Members have selected or been assigned to another Primary Care Physician.

 

  

24

  

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Attachment to the Agreement effective as of the date stated on the first page of this Attachment.

	 HEAL PLANS INC.	 	 	  

PALM ME 1 C NETWO LLC.

	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	
/s/

	 	 	
/s/ 

	 
	
Name

	 	 	
Name 

	 
	
Title 

	 	 	
Title

	 

 

 

 

  

25

  

 

 

 

ATTACHMENT B

EXHIBIT 1

	
COUNTIES

	
PLAN

ADMIN

FEE

(% of

premium)

	
PCP

CAPITATION

FEES

(PMPM) (1)

	
PCP FEE-

FOR-

SERVICE

FEES(2)

	
NETWORK

ADMIN

FEES

(PMPM)(3)

	
NETWORK

SHARE OF

SURPLUSES &

DEFICITS

	
RESERVE

FUND

	
DADE

BROWARD

PALM BEACH

HILLSBOROUGH,

PINELLAS,

PASCO, POLK,

BREVARD,

ORANGE,

OSCEOLA,

SEMINOLE,

OKEECHOBEE &

ST. LUCIE

	
22% 22% 20% 19%

	
$100

$90

$80

$70

	
N/A

N/A

105% of

Prevailing

Medicare

Rates

(EXCLUDES

DADE &

BROWARD)

	
Month 1- 8

$25

PMPM

ALL

COUNTIES

Month 9

thereafter

$25 or $15

PMPM

ALL

COUNTIES

	
Members

0-500

0%

Members

501-1000

50%

Members

1001 and

Greater

100%

	
$150 PM

 

00 PCP Capitation Fees, if applicable, will be reduced by 50% during any termination period pending final settlements of the Claims Fund.

 

(2) PCP Fee-for-Service Fees - In lieu of Capitation Fees, certain Network Providers will be paid by Plan on a fee-for-service basis for all Primary Care Services as defined in the Agreement at 105% of the prevailing Medicare allowable rate within 30 days of receipt of properly-completed claim forms.

 

(3) Network Administration Fee shall remain at $25PMPM should the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) be 88% or less. In the event the MLR exceeds 88%, the Network Administration fee will then be reduced to $15PMPM, Month 9 thereafter.

 

	 	

PALM MEDIC NETWO LLC

	 
	 	 	 	 
	
 

	
By: 

	/s/ 	 
	 	 	Name 	 
	 	 	Title 	 
	 	 	 	 

 

 

 

 

26ex104.htm

Exhibit 10.4

CITRUS HEALTH CARE, INC.

GLOBAL CAPITATION AGREEMENT

 

 

This Global Capitation Agreement (the "Agreement ) is made and entered into this 1'1 day of October, 2007 by and between Citrus Health Care, inc., a Florida corporation (Plan ), and The MED Family, LLC, (Group) ) whose affiliated Physicians/PrOviders are listed in Attachment D which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

 

RECITALS:

 

 

WHEREAS, Plan is licensed with the state of Florida, Office of Insurance Regulation (01R) and Agency for Health Care Administration ( AHCA) as a certified and licensed Health Maintenance Organization in the State of Florida; and

 

WHEREAS, Plan has been granted a Medicare Advantage contract with the federal Centers For Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) in order to enroll, and arrange for health care services for Medicare Members; and

 

WHEREAS, Plan provides or arranges for the provision of Covered Services to Members through physicians, allied health care professionals, and facilities (Physicians/Providers) who are licensed to practice medicine or provide health care benefits in the State of Florida; and

 

WHEREAS, Group is an entity that manages Physicians/Providers; and

 

WHEREAS, the parties desire to enter into this Agreement to provide and/or arrange for all Covered Services to certain Plan Members; and

 

WHEREAS, Group has subcontracted with physicians and other health care providers in Plan's service area to provide services to members of HMOs which are under contract with Group; and

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter contained and other valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

 

 

 

  

1

  

 

1. DEFINITIONS

 

Whenever used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings as set forth below:

 

1.1Agency: the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.

 

1.2CMS: the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

 

1.3Co-payment: a fee payment by the Member to Physicians/Providers at the time Covered Services are

 

rendered, in accordance with the Schedule of Benefits applicable to the particular health services plan in which a Member is enrolled.

 

1.4Covered Services: means all medical, hospital, and other services covered under the applicable health

services plan in which a Member has enrolled.

 

1.5OIR:State of Florida Office of Insurance Regulation and all successor agencies.

 

1.6Deficits : Any negative balance remaining after consideration of reserve requirements in the Operating Fund

 

Balance.

 

1.7Emergency Medical Condition: pursuant to Section 409.901 (9), F.S., an emergency medical condition is (1) A medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity, which may include severe pain or other acute symptoms, such as a prudent lay person, pursuant to Section 4704 of the 1997 balanced Budget Act, who possesses an average knowledge of health and medicine, could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably result in any of the following: (a) Serious jeopardy to the health of the patient, including a pregnant woman or fetus, (b) Serious impairment to bodily function, (c) Serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part. (2) VVith respect to a pregnant woman: (a) That there is inadequate time to effect safe transfer to another hospital prior to delivery, (b) That a transfer may pose a threat to the health and safety of the patient or fetus, (c) That there is evidence of the onset and persistence of uterine contractions or rupture of membranes.

 

1.8Emergency Services and Care: medical screening, examination and evaluation by a physician or to the extent permitted by applicable laws, by appropriate personnel under the supervision of a physician, to determine whether an emergency medical condition exists and if it does, the care, treatment or surgery for a covered service by a physician which is necessary to relieve or eliminate the emergency medical condition, within the service capability of a hospital. This includes Covered Services that are (1) furnished by a provider qualified to furnish emergency services; and (2) needed to evaluate or stabilize an emergency medical condition.

 

1.9Group: the individual, professional association, partnership, or corporation as specified above and disclosed in Attachment ID, which has contracted with Plan to provide and/or arrange for all Covered Services to certain Plan Members under this Agreement.

 

1.10Plan: Citrus Health Care, Inc.

 

1.11IBNR (Incurred But Not Reported): IBNR consists of Plan accounting for all claims not paid, i.e. those claims that have been incurred and are known as well as those claims that have been incurred and are unknown. There are several methodologies used to develop such estimates, including the use of completion factors. Plan will obtain an annual certification of the IBNR calculation.

 

1.13Medically Necessary: In accordance with 42 CFR section 440.230 and as defined in section 59 G1.010 (167), FAC to include that the medical or allied care, goods, or services furnished or ordered must:

 

(a) Meet the following conditions:

 

1. Be necessary to protect life, to prevent significant illness or significant disability, or to alleviate severe pain;

 

2. Be individualized, specific, and consistent with symptoms or confirmed diagnosis of the illness or injury under treatment, and not in excess of the patient's needs;

 

3. Be consistent with generally accepted professional medical standards as determined by CMS, and not experimental or investigational;

 

4. Be reflective of the level of service that can be safely furnished, and for which no equally effective and more conservative or less costly treatment is available, statewide and;

 

5. Be furnished in a manner not primarily intended for the convenience of the recipient, the recipient's caretaker, or the Specialist.

 

 

 

  

2

  

 

(b) Medically necessary or medical necessity for inpatient hospital services requires that those services furnished in a hospital on an inpatient basis could not, consistent with the provisions of appropriate medical care, be effectively furnished more economically on an outpatient basis or in an inpatient facility of a different type.

 

(c) The fact that a specialist has prescribed, recommended, or approved medical or allied care, goods, or services does not, in itself, make such care, goods or services medically necessary or a medical necessity or a Covered Service. 

 

1.14Medicare Program: the program administered by CMS on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries.

 

1.15Member: any individual or eligible dependent of such individual, who has been enrolled in a health services plan offered by or administered by Plan as a Medicare beneficiary enrolled under Plan's contract with the CMS (Medicare Member).

 

1.16Partirip.nting Hospital (Participating Provider): a hospital in the Service Area with which Plan has contracted to render inpatient or outpatient services to Members. The Physician will refer or admit Members, when Medically Necessary, only to Participating Hospitals. The Physician shall make referrals to non-participating providers, subject to Plan referral procedures, when a particular type of care that is needed is not available from Plan roster of participating hospitals and/or other providers, or when a participating provider may not be in reasonable reach, and delay of treatment may be harmful.

 

1.17Participating Specialist or Participating Provider: physicians or other health care providers, other than a Primary Care Physician, with whom Plan has entered into a contract to render services to Members. The Primary Care Physician will refer Members to an appropriate Participating Specialist when such Member is in need of services that are outside the scope of services normally provided by the Primary Care Physician. The Physicians shall make referrals to non-participating providers, subject to Plan's referral procedures, when a particular type of care that is needed is not available from Plan roster of participating hospitals and other providers, or when a participating provider may not be in reasonable reach, and delay of treatment may be harmful.

 

1.18Physician: a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), or a Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.), duly licensed and qualified under the laws of the State of Florida, who practices as a shareholder, partner, contractor or employee of Group, and who has executed a Group Participation Addendum, incorporated herein by reference and annexed hereto as Attachment F, and is listed on the annexed Attachment D and, if applicable, on the annexed Attachment E.

 

1.19Physicians/Providers: physicians, allied healthcare professionals, and facilities who are licensed to practice medicine or provide healthcare benefits in the State of Florida.

 

1.20Primary Care Physician (Participating Provider): a participating physician assigned to a Member to provide primary medical services, and who is responsible 'for coordinating the total medical care of the Member. The Primary Care Physician will refer Members to Participating Specialists and Hospitals, when Medically Necessary. The Primary Care Physician shall make referrals to non-participating specialists and hospitals, subject to Plan's referral procedures.

 

1.21.Group's Principals: the Group or if not an individual, the owners, directors and key management of the Group.

 

1.22Professional Services: those Covered Services set forth herein in Attachment, A which are directly provided by

 

Group.

 

123Service Area: the geographic area in which Plan has contracted with physicians, hospitals and other healthn providers to render services to Plan Members. The Service Area on the date of this Agreement is those counties in which the Agency has given Plan authority to conduct its health maintenance organization business in the State of Florida. This is the geographic area in which Members must obtain services from Plan, except Emergency Services, or Urgently Needed Services while the Member is temporarily outside the Service Area.

 

1.24Schedule of Benefits: the schedule of Covered Services corresponding to the health services plan under which a particular Member has enrolled. The Schedule of Benefits also lists certain items or services, which are excluded or limited. Any service obtained by Members that is excluded or which has exceeded the limitation for that service is not a Covered Service and will be the responsibility of the Member.

 

125Sick Care or Routine Sick Care: non-urgent problems, which do not substantially restrict normal activity, but could develop complications if left untreated (e.g., chronic disease).

 

1.26Subcontractor: defined as a person or entity that is contracted by Group, directly or through another person or entity that is contracted to provide Covered Services to Plan Members, who are not employees of the Group.

 

127Surplus: any positive balance remaining above the Reserve Requirement.

 

1.9RI iroant Care: those problems that though not life-threatening, could result in serious injury or disability unless medical attention is received (e.g. high fever, animal bites, fractures, severe pain) or do substantially restrict a member's activity (e.g., infectious illnesses, flu, respiratory ailments, etc.).

 

1.29Urgently Needed Services: those Covered Services provided when an enrollee is temporarily absent from Plan's service (or if applicable, continuation) area (or, for unusual or extraordinary circumstances, provided when the enrollee is in the service or continuation area but Plan's provider network is temporarily unavailable or inaccessible) when such services are Medically Necessary and immediately required; (1) as a result of an unforeseen illness, injury, or condition; and (2) it was not reasonable given the circumstances to obtain the services through Plan.

 

1.30Well Care: a routine medical visit for one of the following: family planning, routine follow-up to a previously treated condition or illness, adult physicals and any other routine visit for other than the treatment of an illness.

 

2. CREDENTIALS

 

 

 

 

  

3

  

 

2.1 Physicians' Credentials: The Group certifies and will provide language in its Agreements with its Physicians/Providers that Physicians/Providers will, at all relevant times, be duly licensed to practice medicine in the State of Florida, are not excluded from providing services to Medicare beneficiaries under the Medicare program administered by CMS, and that the information concerning their education, experience, medical specialty, and hospital affiliation set forth in Plan Credentialing Application, incorporated herein by reference, is, and remains, true and correct.

 

2.2 Prohibition from Contracting: Group is prohibited from employing or contracting with an individual who is excluded from participation in Medicare under section 1128 or 112A of the Social Security Act (or with an entity that employs or contracts with such an individual) for the provision of any of the following: (1) health care; (2) utilization review; (3) medical social work; or (4) administrative services.

 

2.3 Credentials Approved Before Services Rendered: The Group agrees that, notwithstanding the execution of this Agreement, Covered Services shall not be provided to Members until the Physician's/Provider's credentials, including Subcontractors, have been verified and approved by Plan. Further, in the event that the credentials of a Physician/Provider, or any physician or licensed medical professional acting on behalf of the Physician/Provider are disapproved by Plan, the disapproved Physician/Provider and/or any physician or licensed medical professional acting on behalf of the Physician/Provider shall be disqualified from providing further services to Plan members. Until and unless a Physician or other Provider is credentialed, no compensation pursuant to Section 7 of this Agreement shall be paid for any claims submitted by such Physician or Provider. Approval of the Physician's/Provider's credentials will not be unreasonably withheld in either time or scope.

 

2.4 Notification of Change: The Group assumes the responsibility of notifying Plan in writing as soon as it is aware, in regard to Group's Physicians/Providers if there is a change, limitation, revocation, suspension or proceeding affecting (1) any license or certification required by Physician/Provider to provide Covered Health Services; (2) the cancellation, termination or reduction of the professional liability insurance coverage of Physician/Provider; (3) the medical staff membership or privileges of Physician with respect to any hospital, whether or not the hospital participates in Plan's Medicare Advantage program; (4) Physician/Provider's ability to participate in the Medicare Programs; or (5) Physician/Provider's Drug Enforcement Agency registration. Group shall immediately cease using such Physician/Provider for providing any services to Plan's Members pursuant to this Agreement upon the completion of

such proceedings that changes, limits, revokes or suspends any license or certification required by the Physician/Provider to provide Covered Services. Nothing in the foregoing limits the right of Group to immediately cease using such Physician/Provider for any reason.

 

Plan shall notify the Group in the event that the approval of the credentials of any Physician or any physician or other licensed medical professional acting on behalf of Physician have been revoked or suspended by Plan. Immediately upon receipt of such notice, Group shall ensure that the disapproved Physician shall discontinue rendering services to Members or shall cause such disapproved individual to discontinue rendering services to Members. Group agrees to include language effectuating this provision in all Agreements with Physicians who will be rendering professional services to Plan members/enrollees. Group agrees that Plan is presumed damaged by the Physician, uncredentialed physician, and/or uncredentialed licensed medical professional if services to Members do not immediately cease. Notwithstanding anything in this agreement, Plan may not use excess provider/physician capacity, business concentration or other similar criteria in determining the credentials of any Group provider or physician.

 

2.5 Disciplinary Procedures: Group agrees to notify Plan immediately upon the commencement of any disciplinary action being considered or taken against any of the Group's providers by any state licensing board by which such providers are licensed or Hospital on which such providers are staff members. Upon notification that such providers are subject to any disciplinary proceeding or action by any state licensing board by which such providers are licensed or Hospital on which such providers are staff members, Plan may suspend a provider from attending Plan Members and from the Group's panel under this Agreement until such proceeding or action is resolved, up to and including permanently disqualifying the provider from further serving or attending Plan Members. Group agrees to include language effectuating this provision in all its Agreements with any Physicians rendering professional services to Plan Members/enrollees so that there is a mechanism for Physicians to timely report these circumstances to Group and Plan.

 

2.6 Execution of Contract The Group agrees that each Physician and licensed medical professional acting on behalf of Physician will execute or will have executed a written agreement with Group or its affiliates stipulating that they will abide by the terms and agreements specified in this Agreement and specifically Medicare Requirements.

 

2.7 Addendums and Credentialinq: Group understands and agrees that it shall execute or shall have executed a Group Participation Addendum similar to the one incorporated herein by reference and annexed hereto as Attachment F with all current and future Physicians/Providers that join Group and choose to care for Plan's Members/enrollees. Group also agrees to ensure that all current and future Physicians/Providers that join Group shall complete the credentialing process as described and required above before they are accepted by Plan as Participating Providers. Group further agrees to terminate Physicians/Providers individually as Plan Participating Providers, and shall include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers to effectuate the termination upon such request. Group shall, within seven (7) days of having notice, notify Plan, in writing, of any participating Physicians/Providers who have contracted With Group, as Subcontractors, to serve Plan Members. Group shall also, within seven (7) days of notice, promptly and reasonably notify Plan regarding those Physicians/Providers who no longer contract, or will not be renewing their contract with Group to serve Plan Members.

 

2.8 Members: Group agrees to pay, reimburse, hold harmless and/or otherwise indemnify Plan for any interest, fees, penalties or other charges to Plan by a Provider claiming untimely payment of a claim, which was caused by the failure of Group to timely and properly notify Plan of any additions, deletions or other information as referred to in this section.

 

2.9 Health & Safety of Members: By written notice to Group, Plan's Medical Director may suspend referral of Members to a Participating Provider within the Group, or as a Subcontractor, if the Medical Director determines the health or safety of Members could be endangered by such Provider's continued participation. By written notice to Group, Plan's Medical Director may also suspend referral of Members to such Provider if Medical Director determines such provider is not complying with (1) the terms of this Agreement, (2) Plan's policies and procedures, or (3) Plan's requirements for credentialing or re-credentialing.

3. COVERED SERVICES

 

3.1 Standard of Care/Non-Discrimination: The Group agrees to provide to and/or arrange for Members who have been assigned or referred to one of the Group's Physicians, the Covered Services including but not limited to the Professional Services set forth in Attachment A and elsewhere included in this Agreement, in accordance with Plan's policies and procedures, so long as such policies and procedures have been delivered to Group prior to implementation. Group shall ensure that its Physicians/Providers shall provide or arrange for the provision of Covered Services to Plan's Members in accordance with the terms set forth herein and in a manner consistent with professionally recognized standards of health care. Group shall provide Covered Services to all Plan Members without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, source of payment, any factor related to physical or mental health status, or on any other basis deemed unlawful under federal, state or local law. Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers ensuring that the provisions of this section are agreed to and followed by its Physicians/Providers. Plan shall not be obligated to assign any minimum or maximum number of Members to the Physicians/Providers except those limitations prescribed by federal or state law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Group reserves the right to exclude Members who have a demonstrated history of disruptive, combative, or other behavior that hinders the professional execution of the Group's responsibilities under this Agreement in accordance with Plans policy and procedure.

 

3.2 Physician Facilities: Group agrees to include language in its Agreements with Physicians that they shall provide professional services at their own medical offices or other facilities with which Plan has contracts during the Physicians' normal office hours; however, the Physicians, or a substitute approved in advance by Plan, shall be available at any time, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in case of emergency to provide professional services at the Physician's office or at a Participating Hospital, when appropriate. Group shall cooperate with Plan's written standards for timely access to care and services by Plan Members which are Urgent Care - within 24 hours, Routine Sick Care - within five (5) business days and well care - within thirty (30) days. Where Schedule of Benefits require certain services to be provided only upon the referral of a primary care physician, the following Covered Services may be provided to Plan MEDICARE Members without a referral: (1) screening mammography and influenza vaccination Health Services; and (2) for women, routine and preventive Health Services from a Participating Provider that is a women's health specialist. No Member Expenses shall apply to influenza and pneumococcal vaccines.

 

 

  

4

  

 

3.3 Referrals: In addition to the provision of Covered Services, Group shall have the primary responsibility for arranging and coordinating the overall health services of Members, including appropriate referral to Participating Specialists and Participating Hospitals, as well as managing and coordinating the performance of administrative functions relating to the delivery of Covered Services to Members in accordance with this Agreement unless otherwise directed by Plan. The Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers that requires Physicians/Providers refer Members only to Participating Physicians and Participating Hospitals, with the prior approval of Plan, and to make referrals only when Medically Necessary, except in an emergency. When Medically Necessary or when services are not available within Plan, the Group Agreement with its Physicians/Providers will state that Physician/Provider may only refer to non-participating providers by following Plan referral procedures in Plan provider manual pursuant to F.S. 409.9128.

 

3.4 Prior Approval: The Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers that requires Physicians/Providers use only inpatient, extended care and ancillary service organizations which have been approved in advance by Plan, and to obtain prior approval from Plan before admission to such facilities, except in case of emergency.

 

3.5 Enrollment: The Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers that requires that Physicians/Providers notify Plan no later than thirty (30) days in advance, in writing by Certified or Registered mail, of the Physician's/Provider's intention to close or reopen enrollment to Physician's office.

 

3.6 Staffing Patterns: The Group agrees to include language in its Agreement that requires Physicians to maintain a staffing pattern of one full time equivalent Primary Care Physician per 1500 prepaid Plan Members. The ratio may be increased by 500 Members, and is not to exceed 3,000 Members, for each full time Advance Registered Nurse Practitioner or full time Physician Assistant affiliated with Physician as a provider in practice. Group will ensure, in its Agreements with Physicians that, compliance with this section shall be monitored by Plan in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.

 

3.7 Access to Plan Network/Non-interference: Group may access Plan's network. Plan shall supply Group with monthly updates of contracted providers. Group shall be permitted to access Plan's ancillary and Hospital Participating Providers in the same manner and under the same conditions. Nothing in the foregoing will limit Group's business development and acquisition of bush in the urdinary course of the development and growth of Group.

 

3.8 Group Expansion: Plan agrees to include new Group locations, physicians or other providers, in Plan service areas and contingent to meeting the credentialing requirements of this agreement, without limitation or discrimination.

 

3.9 Continuation of Coverage: In the event of Plan's insolvency or other cessation of operations or termination of Plan's MEDICARE Contract or Plan's certificate of authority from AHCA, Group will continue to provide and/or arrange Covered Services to Plan Members through the period for which premiums have been paid to Plan on behalf of Plan Member, or, in the case of Plan Members who are hospitalized as of such period or date, until Plan Member's discharge from an inpatient facility, whichever time is greater. Covered Services for Plan Members confined in an inpatient facility on the date of insolvency or other cessation of operations will continue until their continued confinement in an inpatient facility is no longer Medically Necessary.

 

3.10 Survivability: The provisions of this section shall be construed in favor of Plan Member, shall survive the termination of this Agreement regardless of the reason for termination, including insolvency, and shall supercede any oral or written contrary agreement between Participating Provider and a Plan Member or the representative of a Plan Member if the contrary agreement is inconsistent with this section.

 

4. INFORMATION AND RECORDS

 

4.1 Encounter Data/Information: Group shall provide Plan with encounter data on a monthly basis relating to Covered Services delivered to Members no later than forty-five (45) days following the end of the month in which Covered Services were rendered. Group shall provide Plan with summary data on magnetic tape, floppy disk or other electronic format acceptable to Plan within forty-five (45) days after the end of each month, provided that Group is provided with the software codes to communicate with Plan's system. This format, at a minimum, shall include: (1) Member's' name; (2) Member's identification number; (3) date of service; (4) Revenue, HCPC's, Organization Specific Codes, identified and defined per CPT Code/ICD-9 Code or any form mandated by CMS; (5) billed amount/paid amount; (6) Member's Primary Care Physician; (7) Participating Provider rendering service if other than Primary Care Physician; and (8) coordination of benefits information. The Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers that requires the Physicians/Providers to provide for the safeguarding and confidentiality of patient records, as required by focal, state and federal regulations and consistent with Plan policies and procedures. Plan shall provide written notice of Group's noncompliance with this section and provide 45 days for Group to cure such noncompliance.

 

42 Legal Actions: Group shall notify Plan of any suits or claims filed against Group or any of its Physicians or Participating Provider, by or relating to a Covered Person, within ten (10) working days of Group's receipt of notice of such claim having been filed or such action having been brought. Group shall additionally provide Plan with any information regarding such claims reasonably requested by Group, subject to applicable confidentiality requirements, and not including any information that would otherwise be privileged under law, within five (5) days of request. Group agrees to include language in its Agreements with Group Physicians/Providers to effectuate the provisions of this section so that Group Physicians/Providers have a mechanism for reporting the information required in this section.

 

4.3 Medical Records: The Group agrees to monitor its Physicians/Providers and licensed medical professionals acting on behalf of the Physicians to ensure that they create and maintain appropriate medical records in accordance with the standards as established by the medical community and treat such medical records as confidential so as to comply with all state and federal laws regarding patient records. Records shall be maintained for a period of not less than 6 years, including after termination of this Agreement and be retained further if records are under review or audit until such review or audit is complete

 

4:4 Request for Medical Records: The Group agrees to provide to Plan, the Member, or other Participating Providers, the medical records of any Member within seven (7) business days of a request by Plan. Failure to so provide such requested medical records shall cause harm and damage to the operations of Plan, and if it impedes Plan informed decision regarding the payment of any claim(s) at issue, such action on the part of the Group or its Physicians/Providers shall result in the denial and nonpayment of the Physician's/Provider's dais by Plan notwithstanding any previous authorization given by Plan to Physician/Provider for such claim. Furthermore, in the event of a denial and nonpayment of a Physician's/Provider's claim pursuant to any portion of Section 4 of this Agreement, Group agrees to hold the Member harmless from the payment therefore. The Group agrees not to charge Plan, the Member or a Participating Physician for providing or copying of any medical records requested related to the payment of a claim by Group.

 

4.5 Administrative Records: The Group understands that Plan may require certain administrative records, (including, but not limited to, billing records) to resolve a claims payment matter. Accordingly, Group agrees to (1) maintain such records for a period of six (6) years following the date of termination of this Agreement and if such records are under review or audit until the review or audit is complete, and (2) provide to Plan such records of any Member within thirty (30) days of a request by Plan of same. The Group agrees not to charge Plan, the Member or a Participating Provider for providing or copying of such records. Group agrees to include language in its Agreements with Providers, which also requires Physicians/Providers to maintain these records in the same manner and for the same time period.

 

4.6 Access to and Release of Books and Records: The Group agrees to provide to Plan, the Member, or other Participating Providers, the medical records of any Member within fifteen (15) business days of a request by Plan. Plan, during regular business hours and upon reasonable notice and demand, shall have access to and the right to audit all information and records or copies of records, free of charge, related to Covered Services rendered under this Agreement, however such information does not include compensation, salary, overhead, and other information not directly involved in the codification or reimbursement of treatment of a Member(s). Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers that require Physicians/Providers, at the time of an audit, to give Plan access to all records or copies of records related to the Covered Services being audited. Group agrees to require that Physicians/Providers provide records or copies of records requested by Plan fifteen (15) business days from the date such request is made, except in the case of an audit by Plan where records or copies of records shall be provided at the time of the audit. Records shall be maintained as follows: Group agrees to maintain complete and accurate fiscal records and medical records applying solely to Plan Members for whom the Group has claimed and received payment. Further, Group will maintain adequate medical, financial, and administrative records related to the services rendered by Group to Plan's Members in an accurate and timely manner. Group shall maintain such records as are necessary for evaluation of the quality, appropriateness and timeliness of service performed under this Agreement. Records shall be maintained as follows: The right to access described above shall extend through six (6) years from the final date of the applicable contract period or completion of audit, whichever is later, provided, however, that such access may be required for a longer time period if: (1) CMS determines that there is a special need to retain a particular record or Group of records for a longer period and CMS provides notice at least thirty (30) days before the normal disposition date; and (2) CMS determines that there has been a termination, dispute, fraud or similar fault, in which case, the retention may be extended to six (6) years from the date of any resulting final resolution of the matter; or (3) CMS determines that there is a reasonable possibility of fraud, in which case it may perform the inspection, evaluation or audit at any time.

 

4. 7 Right to Audit: Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers which give Plan, AHCA, DI-[HS, CMS, the Comptroller General or their designees the right to audit, evaluate or inspect any books, contracts, medical records, patient care documentation and other records of Group or its Participating Providers that pertain to: (1) the service performed under this Agreement; (2) reconciliation of benefit liabilities; (3) determination of amounts payable; (4) medical audit or review; (5) utilization review; or (6) other relevant matters as such person conducting the audit, evaluation or inspection deems necessary. The right to access described above shall extend through six (6) years from the final date of the applicable contract period or completion of audit, whichever is later, provided, however, that such access may be required for a longer time period if: (1) CMS determines that there is a special need to retain a particular record or Group of records for a longer period and CMS provides notice at least thirty (30) days before the normal disposition date; and (2) CMS determines that there has been a termination, dispute, fraud or similar fault, in which case, the retention may be extended to six (6) years from the date of any resulting final resolution of the matter; or (3) CMS determines that there is a reasonable possibility of fraud, in which case it may perform the inspection, evaluation or audit at any time.

 

4.8 Availability of Premises: For the purpose of conducting the above activities, Group shall include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers that Group and its Participating Providers shall make available its premises, physical facilities and equipment, records relating to Plan Members, and any additional relevant information that Plan, Agency, CMS, OIR, DHHS, Comptroller General or their designee may require. Group also agrees to establish procedures to ensure timely access by Plan Members to medical records and other health enrollment information that pertains to them.

 

4.9 Confidentiality of Records: Plan and Group shall safeguard the privacy of any health information that identifies a particular Plan Member. Plan and Group shall abide by all federal and state laws regarding confidentiality and disclosure of medical records and other health and enrollee information. Group further agrees to allow Plan the right to periodically monitor and access Group records in order to ensure Group's compliance with all state and federal confidentiality lawS, statutes and regulations and Plan policies and procedures. Group shall include language in its Agreement with its Physicians/Providers and Plan shall also have the right to monitor and assure that Participating Providers safeguard and keep confidential member health information.

 

Group shall assure its own compliance and that of any business associates with all the privacy and security provisions of the HIPAA statute and regulations and in accordance with 42 CFR, Part 431, Subpart F, as they become effective.

 

4.10 Inspection of Facilities by Plan: Plan, Agency, CMS, OIR, and/or DHHS during regular business hours and upon reasonable notice, shall have the right to inspect Physicians/Providers facilities, including Physician's/Providers equipment.

 

4.11 Cost of Records: In the event that Plan requests copies of medical or other records from Group, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, such records shall be copied and delivered to Plan at Group's expense subject to the provisions of paragraph 4.4 of this agreement.

 

 

 

  

5

  

 

5. UTILIZATION, QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND APPEALS/GRIEVANCES

 

The Group understands that Plan operates upon the principle of managed care to provide Medically Necessary and cost effective Covered Services to its Members. To ensure efficiency and quality, Plan has established programs of utilization and quality management, more specifically described in Plan's policies and procedures.

 

5.1 Physician Participation: The Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers that requires that Physicians/Providers support the principles of managed care through participation in Plan's utilization management program and cooperate with the Plan to determine the appropriateness and medical necessity of any inpatient or outpatient service required by any Member. The Group further agrees to require that Physicians/Providers participate in the quality management program, which includes internal peer review, on-site external audit, and other procedures to ensure quality services.

 

52 Appeals and Grievances: Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers that requires that Physicians/Providers participate in the grievance and appeals procedure adopted by Plan pursuant to state or federal requirements. Group acknowledges that Plan shall reserve the right to render final determinations regarding appeals and grievances, which affect the provision and coverage of Covered Services to Plan Members. In the event that Plan renders a determination contrary to the determination, rendered by the Group, Plan's determination shall prevail. Group is responsible for the provision and payment of any services/claims arising from this section and if

Group does not timely pay the claims discussed in this section, Plan shall have the right, solely with its own signature on the draft, to pay such claims from the applicable Operating Fund. If such determination is for the provision of care to be delivered by a provider type available in the Participating Network or tertiary network available to Group, the Group's responsibility is limited to the lowest fee available to Group.

 

5.3 Group Cooperation: Group shall cooperate with the following: (1) all credentialing and recredentialing processes and all medical management, quality assessment and performance improvement, medical policy, peer review, on site review, advance directives, or other similar CMS, AHCA nr Plan poliries and programs; (2) Pian's Member grievance and appeaVexpedited appeal processes, including gathering and forwarding information to Plan on a timely basis, as required in Plan's policies and procedures, that will permit Plan to meet CMS and AHCA required timeframes for disposition of grievances and appeals; (3) the activities of any independent quality review and improvement organization approved by CMS or AHCA that is under contract with Plan; (4) as applicable, Plan's processes for identifying Plan Members with complex or serious medical conditions, assessment of those conditions, and establishment and implementation of a treatment plan appropriate to those conditions; and (5) Plan's processes for conducting an initial assessment of each Plan Member's health care needs within ninety (90) days of the effective date of their enrollment. From time to time, Plan shall consult with Group and its Physicians/Providers, as appropriate, regarding Plan's medical policy, quality assurance program and medical management procedures.

 

5.4 Access Surveys: Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers that requires that Physicians/Providers fully comply and participate in access surveys conducted by Plan in order to monitor compliance with Plan's accessibility and availability standards.

 

5.5 Member Satisfaction Surveys: Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers that requires that Physicians/Providers cooperate with Plan in conducting member satisfaction surveys and take a proactive and responsive stance as to the needs of Members and to provide quality health care.

 

6. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

6.1 Physician Compliance: Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers that requires that Physicians/Providers comply with the policies and procedures established by Plan, as amended from time to time. The language shall state that Physicians/Providers shall comply with Plan's policies and procedures, and any amendments to same, upon delivery of such written policy and/or amendment, by hand or via the mail. So long as such protocols, policies or procedures have been delivered and agreed to 30 days prior to implementation. Such agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

6.2 Provider Manual: Plan's rules of participation are set forth in this Agreement, and in the provider manual and credentialing plan, which shall be made available to Group from time to time. Written notice of material changes to the rules of participation shall be provided prior to the effective date of such changes so long as such protocols, policies or procedures and been delivered and agreed 30 day prior to implementation. Such agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

6.3 Group Cooperation: Group shall cooperate and comply with the protocols of Plan which include, but are not limited to: (a) All protocols referenced in this Agreement; (b) Any provider manual and credentialing plan, as modified from time to time by Plan; and (c) Group agrees to arrange for the provision of assistance or advice to Plan's Members, in emergency situations, and arrange for on-call coverage, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year. Group agrees to post the Consumer Assistance Notice prominently in the reception area, clearly noticeable by all patients pursuant to Florida Statute 641.511 (11). So long as such protocols, policies or procedures have been delivered and agreed to 30 days prior to implementation. Such agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

7 COMPENSATION

 

7.1 Compensation: The Group's compensation for providing and/or arranging for all Covered Services provided hereunder shall be as specified in the Medicare Risk Benefit Program annexed hereto as Attachment B-I and as further provided in this Section 7. The Group understands that Physicians/Providers shall be compensated by Plan only for Covered Services, which are Medically Necessary, have been authorized by the Member's Primary Care Physician and Plan, and, except for Emergency or Urgently-Needed Services, are provided by Participating Providers. Any change in compensation hereunder shall be subject to the approval of Plan. Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers that requires Physicians/Providers bill Plan for any and all payments due within ninety (90) days after date of service or determination of Plans liability, for outpatient services and within ninety days (90) after discharge for inpatient services or as otherwise required by applicable law. Group agrees to provide in its contracts with Physicians/Providers that Providers failure to submit claims or appeal of a denial of a claim in a timely manner, as described above and in Plan's policies and procedures, will result in non-payment of said claim(s) and that Physicians/Providers will not attempt, in any way to collect payment for these claims directly or indirectly from the Member. Group incentive arrangements, if any, are set forth in this Agreement and its Attachments. Group further agrees not to cause and to prohibit any Physician/Provider to be deemed at or place any subcontractor in an arrangement deemed to be at "substantial financial risk" as defined in the federal physician incentive plan regulations. Group shall ensure that payment and incentive arrangements with Subcontractors, if any, are specified in a written agreement.

 

7.2 Requests for Compensation: Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers that all requests for compensation and compensation for services will be made by and between Plan and Group or by and between Plan and the Physicians/Providers. Group agrees that in no event, including, but not limited to, non-payment by Plan or an intermediary, insolvency of Plan, or breach by Plan of this Agreement, shall Group bill, charge, collect a deposit from, seek compensation, remuneration or reimbursement from, or have any recourse against any Plan Member or person (other than Plan or an intermediary) acting on behalf of Plan Member for Covered Services provided pursuant to this Agreement. Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers prohibiting them from doing likewise. This provision does not prohibit Group from collecting Member Expenses or fees for services not covered under Plan Member's benefit or subscriber contract, as applicable, and delivered on a fee-for-service basis to Plan Member. This provision does not prohibit Group and a Plan Member from agreeing to continue services solely at the expense of Plan Member, as long as Group has clearly informed Plan Member, pursuant to Section 7.3 below, that the benefit or subscriber contract, as applicable, may not cover or continue to cover a specific service or services, and documentation of Group's conversation with Plan Member is made available to Plan upon request.

 

7.3 Non-Covered Services: Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physician/Provider that in the event a Physician/Provider seeks to provide a Member Non-Covered Services, the Physician/Provider shall, prior to the provision of such Non-Covered Services, inform the Member and obtain the Member's written acknowledgment that he or she has been informed, in conformity with the requirements of Section 1879 of the Social Security Act, of the following: (1) the nature of the Non-Covered Service(s); (2) a statement that the Physician/Provider believes that neither Plan nor the Medicare Program will pay for or be liable for said services; and (3) that the Member will be personally and financially liable for payment of such services. Amounts due for Non-Covered Services may then be billed to the Member at the Physician's/Provider's usual and customary charge. Failure by Physician/Provider to inform and to obtain written acknowledgment of a Member of his or her financial liability prior to provision of Non-Covered Services will result in Group being financially responsible for said services, and neither Group, the Physician/Provider, nor any of their agents, representatives or assigns, may contact or seek payment for such services in any manner from a Member if the provisions set forth above have not been satisfied. Members shall not be liable for payment of any health care service that is determined pursuant to the applicable utilization review/quality assurance or grievance/appeal program not to be Medically Necessary. However, if a Member requests health care services after being informed that such services are Non-Covered Services in accordance with the provisions set forth in this section, said Member shall be solely liable for payment to the Physician/Provider.

 

  

6

  

 

7.4 Approval Required: No change in the provisions of this Agreement shall be made by Plan without prior written approval of authorized and appropriate governmental agencies.

 

7.5 Third Party Liability: The Group further agrees that, notwithstanding the payment provisions above, Plan retains any and all rights whatsoever for Third Party Liability involving but not limited to Auto Insurance Carriers and subrogation (litigation) cases and Workers' Compensation, and any and all rights whatsoever for Coordination of Benefits with another Group Health Insurance. However, upon recovery by Plan of any amount from such claims of third party liabilities, Plan shall (1) account to Group for such amounts, (2) contribute such amounts after deduction of reasonable cost of collections, if any, to th le- Group Medicare Operating Fund. The Group also agrees to inform Plan, at the time the Group obtains such information (before, during, or after services are rendered), of the existence of any of the above underlined conditions as it relates to the services the Physicians/Providers are providing to Plan's Members. In addition, the Group agrees to require that Physicians/Providers (1) inform Plan upon receipt of any payment received from a party other than Plan for services provided to Plan's Members, (2) refund all payments by Plan for such covered services to the extent paid by Plan to the Group where Coordination of Benefits with another Group Health Insurance is involved, and (3) not interfere with the attempts by Plan to recover monies for which another party may be liable under one of the above underlined conditions. Any monies so recovered by Plan from Physicians/Providers will be contributed to the Operating Fund after reasonable costs for collections have been deducted.

 

7.6 Charges to Members. Plan requires Members to pay applicable copayments for certain Covered Services at the time services are rendered. It is the responsibility of Members to pay such copayments at the time services are received. If a Member fails to pay co-payments, Group shall inform Plan immediately. Group shall indemnify and hold Plan, and Members harmless from any costs, including legal fees, relating to improper billing practices or effects which breach the terms of this Agreement or pursuant to any of it Subcontractors.

 

7.7 Member Non-Liability. Group agrees and warrants that in no event including, but not limited to, non-payment by Plan, Plan's insolvency, or breach of this Agreement, shall Group, or any representative of Group, bill, charge, collect a deposit from, seek compensation, remuneration or reimbursement from or have any recourse against any Member, Agency, or persons other than Plan acting on any Members behalf, defined below, for services provided pursuant to this Agreement. This provision shall not prohibit the collection by Group of any copayments from a Member, in accordance with the terms of the applicable, nor shall it prohibit charges for services, as provided in above for non-Covered Services. Group further agrees that (a) this provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement regardless of the cause giving rise to termination and shall be construed to be for the benefit of Members, as applicable, and (b) this provision supersedes any oral or written contrary agreement now existing or hereafter entered into between Group and Members, or persons acting on their behalf. No modifications, additions, or delefions to the provisions of this section shall be made by Plan without the prior written approval of the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation and AHCA. Group shall not balance bill any Member.

 

8. INSURANCE

 

 

8.1 Malpractice Insurance: Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers requiring that Physicians/Providers have met the State of Florida requirements for malpractice liability. In its agreement with Physicians/Providers, the Group agrees to require that Physicians/Providers, and each Physician and licensed medical professional acting on behalf of the Physician/Provider, at his or her sole cost and expense shall procure and maintain such policies of comprehensive and general liability, professional liability, workers compensation, and other insurance as shall be necessary to insure the Physician/Provider, every physician and licensed medical professional acting on behalf of the Physician/Provider and the Physician's/Providers employees against any claim or claims for damages arising by reason of personal injuries, death, premises liability, or property damage occasioned directly or indirectly in connection with the performance of any services by the Physician/Provider, or the physicians or licensed medical professionals acting on behalf of the Physician/Provider. Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Provider requiring that Physicians/Providers provide Plan with evidence of such coverage, upon request, and agrees to require the carriers to provide Plan with notice of any policy cancellations or modifications. In its

Agreement with Physicians/Providers Group agrees to require that Physicians/Providers notify Plan in writing within ten (10) days of any changes in carriers, termination of, renewal of or any material changes in Physician's/Provider's general liability and professional liability insurance, including reduction of limits, erosion of aggregate, changes in retention or non-payment of premium. Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers requiring that all health care professionals employed by or under contract with the Group to render health services to Members procure and maintain professional liability insurance and where applicable general liability insurance, unless they are covered under the Group's insurance policies. Plan shall from time to time set the required limits of liability coverage required pursuant to its credentialing policies.

 

9 INDEMNIFICATION

 

Indemnification under Plan is as follows:

 

(a) Group agrees to indemnify and hold Plan and Agency harmless from and against any and all debts of Group, and from any and all debts, claims, recoupments, overpayments, damages, costs, causes of action, expenses or liabilities, including reasonable attorney's fees and court costs (including attorney's fees and costs to enforce this indemnity): (1) to the extent proximately caused by, or which may arise out of, or are incurred in connection with, any breach of Group's obligations under this Agreement, or (2) any negligent, intentional act or other wrongful conduct arising from Group's provision of any services or obligations to Members. This section shall survive the termination of this Agreement for any reason, including insolvency.

 

(b) Group agrees to indemnify and hold Members harmless from and against any and all debts of Group. This section shall survive the termination of this Agreement for any reason, including insolvency.

 

(c) Group and Plan agree to notify each other, in writing, within thirty (30) days, by certified mail, return receipt requested, at the addresses given below of any claim made against the other on the obligations indemnified against.

 

(d) Group agrees to defend against any claims brought or actions filed against Plan with respect to the subject of the indemnity contained herein. In case a claim should be brought or an action filed with respect to the subject of indemnity herein, Plan agrees that Group may employ attorneys of its own selection to appear and defend the claim or action on behalf of Plan; however, Plan, at its option and at the expense of Group, may hire attorneys of its own selection to monitor such claim or action, and appear on behalf of Plan. Plan shall be the sole judge of any claims or action against Plan, and shall have the right, after written notice to Group, to determine the direction of the defense.

 

(e) Plan agrees to indemnify and hold Group and Agency harmless from and against any and all debts of Plan, and from any and all debts, claims, recoupments, overpayments, damages, costs, causes of action, expenses or liabilities, including reasonable attorney's fees and court costs (including attorney's fees and costs to enforce this indemnity): (1) to the extent proximately caused by, or which may arise out of, or are incurred in connection with, any breach of Plan's obligations under this Agreement, or (2) any negligent, intentional act or other wrongful conduct arising from Plan action or conduct. This section shall survive the termination of this Agreement for any reason, including insolvency.

 

(f) Plan agrees to defend against any claims brought or actions filed against Group with respect to the subject of the indemnity contained herein. In case a claim should be brought or an action filed with respect to the subject of indemnity herein, Group agrees that Plan may employ attorneys of its own selection to appear and defend the claim or action on behalf of Group; however, Group, at its option and at the expense of Plan, may hire attorneys of its own selection to monitor such claim or action, and appear on behalf of Group. Group shall be the sole judge of any claims or action against Group, and shall have the right, after written notice to Plan, to determine the direction of the defense.

 

10. TERM AND TERMINATION

 

 

  

7

  

 

10.1 Effective date: This Agreement shall become effective on the date first written above and shall continue for a period of three (3) years thereafter. This Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one (1) year periods. Termination shall have no effect upon the rights and obligations of the parties arising out of any transactions occurring prior to the effective date of such termination.

 

Notwithstanding this provision, this Agreement can be terminated at any time by either party with or without cause upon ninety (90) days prior written notice delivered in the manner prescribed herein.

 

10.2 Statutory Termination: The Office of Insurance Regulation, pursuant to Florida Statute §641.234, may order Plan to cancel this Agreement if it determines that the fees to be paid by Plan are so unreasonably high as compared with similar contracts entered into by Plan or as compared with similar contracts entered by other HMO's in similar circumstances, such that this Agreement is detrimental to the Members, stockholders, investors or creditors of Plan.

 

10.3 Plan Termination: Plan may cancel this Agreement within sixty (60) days written notice to Group if as determined by the rules of the American Arbitration Association that the Group's deficits or the fees to be paid.by the Group to its Providers are so unreasonably high as compared with similar contracts entered into by Plan or as compared with similar contracts entered by other HMO's in similar circumstances, such that this Agreement is detrimental to the Members, stockholders investors or creditors of Plan.

 

10.4 Statutory Notice: The Group shall not terminate this Agreement for any reason, including nonpayment by Plan without first providing sixty (60) days prior written notice to Plan, OIR, the Agency, and CMS. Plan may allow this Agreement to terminate prior to the sixty (60) days if Plan reasonably determines that the early termination will not negatively impact upon patient care.

 

10.5 Continuation of Care: Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers that requires that Physicians/Providers provide continued care for six (6) months or until Member's care is transitioned to a Participating Provider if the Group terminates this Agreement or is terminated by Plan if the Member has a life-threatening condition, or a disabling and degenerative condition. Regardless of the trimester of pregnancy, care for pregnant Members must be continued through the completion of postpartum care. The services must be provided in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Reimbursement for services provided under these circumstances shall be on a fee-for-service basis at 100% of Medicare's Prevailing Rates.

 

10.6 Material Breach: In the event that Group breaches any material term of this Agreement relating to government compliance, coordination or provision of care, Plan shall provide written notice to Group by certified mail. If Group fails to cure the breach within thirty (30) days, Plan may terminate the contract by providing written notice setting forth the termination date by certified mail to Group. Group agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, and reimburse Plan for any breach under this provision, including but not limited to failure to comply with any federal, state or local statutes, laws, regulations, or policies or procedures, which results in any governmental penalty, fee, fine, interest or other monetary or regulatory sanction, imposition, or order against Plan.

 

10.7 Return of Materials: In the event of expiration or other termination of this Agreement, Group will turn over to Plan all tangible property or information, if any, belonging to Plan, or any tangible property or information Plan may reasonably request concerning any Member for whom Group arranged for the provision of Covered Services. Group shall cooperate with Plan in the transfer of claims data information to Plan in an electronic format.

	15	  

11.          AUTHORIZATIONS FOR PUBLICATIONS. NOTICES AND MARKETING

 

11.1 Publication: Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers that states that Plan may use the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and specialty areas of the Physicians/Providers in Plan's physician panel roster and marketing materials or as otherwise necessary or appropriate to carry out the terms of this Agreement. The roster may be inspected by and is intended for the use of prospective Members, employers and other payor Groups and their respective employees, contractors and participants.

 

11.2 Publications: The Group shall not distribute or mail to any Member, any notice, letter,flyer, or any other written document relating to anything other than the medical care of the Member, without the prior written authorization of Plan. Said written authorization shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

11.3 Advertising: The Group shall not advertise or market Plan or any of its health care services and benefit plans, or utilize any trademarks, trade names, logos or other Plan property without Plan's prior written approval. Such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

12.          PROPRIETARY MATTERS

 

 

12.1 Beneficial Property: The Group and Plan, and each of the Principals, on behalf of him/her/itself, understands that the each party has developed, at a substantial investment, an ongoing concern that has among its assets the Members of Plan, the Physician/Provider network, contracts, manuals, advertising and marketing materials, and other beneficial property. The Group and Plan and each of the Group's Principals, on behalf of him/her/itself, acknowledges each party's property interests and agree that during the term of this Agreement and after one year expiration or termination of this Agreement they shall not, for any reason, directly or indirectly; (1) encourage, solicit, force or otherwise influence Plan's Members to disenroll from Plan or enroll in any competing Plan; (2) disclose the names, addresses, or phone or identification numbers of any Member to any third party, except as required by process of law or regulation; or (3) use any of Plan's materials, including, but not limited to, Member's lists, directly or indirectly, to further the business purposes of Group or any of the Group's Principals.

 

12.2 Members and Provider Solicitation: Plan shall be entitled to retain its contractual relationship with existing Members. Group will not directly interfere with this relationship. Group shall not attempt to directly contact, communicate, solicit or in any other manner suggest, recommend or advise a Member to change memberships to another Plan or to modify his/her contract within Plan except as permitted under CMS guidelines. Under no circumstances shall the Group directly recruit Plan's Members without the express, written consent of Plan. In such an event, Group agrees that Plan has been presumptively and materially damaged and shall, upon request by Plan, pay Plan liquidated damages of $1,500.00 per Member. Under no circumstances shall the Plan directly or indirectly recruit Group's Participating Providers-or encourage members to select or transfer to a non-Group Participating Provider. Plan will not interfere with the relationship between the Group and the Participating Providers.

 

12.3 Enforceability: In the event a court of competent jurisdiction should hold that the duration, scope of, or parties to the covenants contained in any sub-section to this Section are unreasonable or unacceptable, then to the extent permitted by law, the court may prescribe a duration or scope, or may exclude an intended party, to the extent that it is reasonably and judicially enforceable. The parties agree to accept such determination, subject to their rights of appeal, which the parties hereto agree shall be substituted in place of any and every offensive part of this Section 12, and as so modified, this Section 12 shall be fully enforceable as if set forth herein by the parties in the modified form. The parties hereto agree that this Section 12 above shall survive termination of this Agreement. The parties agree that any violation of this section by the Group or Plan, or any of its Principals, shall result in irreparable injury to the other party and therefore, in addition to the remedies otherwise available to the other party, the other party shall be entitled to injunctive or other equitable relief to enjoin or restrain Group or Plan, its Principals, from violating the terms of this section. Nothing contained in this Agreement, and specifically this paragraph 12.4, shall be interpreted as restricting a Physician's ability to communicate information to the patients regarding medical core or treatment.

12.4 Group Providers with existing Plan Members: Group agrees that, at the signing of this Agreement, any current or future Group Physicians who have existing Plan Members will become Members for whom Group will provide and/or arrange for the Covered Services described herein.

 

 

 

  

8

  

 

12.5 Proprietary Information: Group recognizes that all material provided to them by Plan, including Member lists, is the property of Plan. Group shall not use such information for any purpose other than to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement. Group shall not disclose or release such material to any third party without the prior written consent of Plan. This specifically includes, but is not limited to, use of any of the above referenced materials, directly or indirectly, to further the business purposes of any other organization or business including, but not limited to Provider, HMOs or other alternative health care delivery systems or other entities in the business of Plan. Upon notice of the termination of this Agreement, Group agrees to return all such materials, including all copies, whether authorized or not, to Plan. This provision shall survive the termination or expiration of any term or provisions of this Agreement. In addition, Group shall not solicit Members, directly or indirectly, to enroll in any other Plan or alternative health care delivery system.

 

12.6 Enforcement and Survival: The provisions of this section 12 of this Agreement, shall survive the termination, except as provided in paragraph 13.11 of this Agreement, or expiration of any term or provision of this Agreement for a period of one year from the effective date of termination.

 

13. MISCELLANEOUS

 

 

13.1 Applicable Law: This Agreement, and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, shall be construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of the State of Florida. Group and Plan each maintain, without material restriction, all applicable federal, state and focal licenses, certifications and permits which are required to fulfill their obligations under the original Agreement in the applicable jurisdiction. Group shall comply with all applicable Medicare laws, regulations and CMS instructions and all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations, including, but not limited to, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and The Americans With Disabilities Act. Provider shall also cooperate with Plan in its efforts to comply with the laws, regulations and other requirements of applicable regulatory authorities. Group shall require that all health care professionals employed by or under contract with Group to render Covered Services to Plan Members, including covering physicians, comply with this provision. Group consents and agrees that venue for any actions under this Agreement shall be Hillsborough County, Florida.

 

13.2 Arbitration: Except for enforcement of Section 12 above, no civil action concerning any dispute arising under this Agreement shall be instituted before any court, until such disputes shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration in Tampa, Florida pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) with one arbitrator, either chosen by the AAA or equally agreeable to both parties. All costs and expenses of the arbitration, including actual attorney's fees, shall be allocated among the parties to this Agreement according to the arbitrator's discretion. The arbitrator's award may be confirmed and entered as a final judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction and enforced accordingly. Proceeding to arbitration and obtaining an award there under shall be a condition precedent to the bringing or maintaining of any action in any court with respect to any dispute arising under this Agreement, except for the institution of a civil action to maintain the status quo during the pendency of any arbitration proceeding.

 

13.3 No Third Party Rights: Except as specifically and expressly provided herein, or otherwise provided or required by local, state, or federal law, statute, regulation, rule, order, amendment or other legal requirement, none of the provisions of this Agreement is intended to create nor shall be deemed or construed to create third party rights or status in any Member.

 

13.4 Assurances: The parties hereto represent and warrant that execution of this Agreement shall not violate any non-competition or other provision of any agreement, whether existing or pre-existing, between such party and any third party.

 

13.5 Confidentiality of this Agreement: The parties hereto agree that each shall hold the information contained in thisAgreement as confidential and shall not disclose the information contained in this Agreement to any third party, except as necessary to carry out the terms herein or as required by state or federal law.

 

13.6 Duplicate Agreements: This Agreement may be executed in one or more counter-parts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all together will constitute one and the same instrument.

 

13. 7 Enforceability: The invalidity or un-enforceability of any terms or conditions hereof shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other term or provision contained in this Agreement

 

13.8 Heading and Captions: Headings and captions contained in this Agreement are for convenience only and should not be considered in interpreting the provisions hereof. The use of the masculine, feminine or neuter gender and the

 

use of the singular and plural shall not be given the effect of any exclusion or limitation herein; and the use of the word "person" or "party" shall mean and include any individual, trust, corporation, partnership or other entity.

 

13.9 Independent Contractor Relationship: None of the provisions of this Agreement are intended to create nor shall be deemed or construed to create any relationship between the parties hereto other than that of independent entities contracting with each other hereunder solely for the purposes of effecting the provisions of this Agreement. Plan and Group are separate and independent entities in the performance of the obligations devolving upon each and in regard to any services rendered or performed on behalf of Members by any of these entities, their agents, servants, and employees; each is at all times acting and performing as an independent contractor with respect to the other entities; and neither party shall have or exercise any control or direction over the method by which the other shall perform such work or render or perform such services and functions.

 

Neither the parties hereto, nor any of their respective associates, employees, or agents shall be construed to be the agent, the employer or the representative of the other. None of the parties to this Agreement nor any of their respective employees shall be construed to be the agent, employee or representative of the other nor will any of the above have an expressed or implied right of authority to assume or create any obligation or responsibility on behalf of or in the name of the other party. It is further expressly agreed that no work, act, or omission of any entity, its agents, servants, or employees, pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be construed to make or render the others, the agent, servant, or employee of or the joint venture with the entity or its agents, servants or employees. The parties do, however, understand and agree that Plan, the Agency, and CMS, pursuant to this Agreement and the Medicare Contract, between CMS and Plan, shall exert certain requirements on the Group.

 

13.10 Assignability: This Agreement and the rights, interests and benefits hereunder, being intended to secure the services of the Group and Physicians/Providers, shall not be assigned, transferred, pledged or hypothecated in any way by the Group, except through a merger of the Group with another entity or the acquisition of the Group by another entity. Any such attempts by Group to assign its duties and/or responsibilities under this Agreement shall be void, unless Group expressly requests, in writing, approval from Plan and said approval is given in writing. This Agreement and the rights, interests and benefits hereunder shall not be subject to execution, attachment or similar process, nor shall the duties imposed herein be subcontracted or delegated without the approval, in writing of Plan. Any approval herein shall not constitute waiver of the requirement to seek approval for any subsequent acts herein. This Agreement may not be assigned by either party, without the express written agreement of the other party; such assignment shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

 

  

9

  

 

13.11 Marketing/Termination of Business: Plan reserves the right to temporarily and/or permanently discontinue any and all marketing and/or Plan related business in any given area, county, and/or region, as it determines reasonable under the circumstances, pursuant to any applicable statutes and/or regulations. Group shall be notified of discontinued or suspension of such business or marketing efforts no later than concurrently with such notification to any regulatory agency or 180 days prior to the suspension of such efforts or 5 business days after such decision has been made by Plan. Group will hold such information as secret and confidential. However, Group shall be allowed to undertake actions to minimize or eliminate any adverse economic impact of such a decision by Plan.

13.12 Provider Agreements: In order to ensure compliance with all terms of this Agreement, Group agrees to provide, as Attachment E to this Agreement, a true and correct copy of their standard Agreement with its Providers. In addition, Group shall assist in obtaining a contract between Plan and any non-employee Provider of Group, such that there shall exist an executed corresponding Plan subcontract for every Specialist Physician, and any health care professional facility or provider providing Covered Services to Members pursuant to a Plan Contract and who is not an employee of Group.

 

13.13 Notices: Any notice required to be given pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sent by certified or registered mail to Plan, Group, CMS, OIR, and the Agency at the following addresses:

 

PLAN: Citrus Health Care, Inc.

 

5420 Bay Center Drive, Suite 250

 

Tampa, FL 33609

 

GROUP:The MED Family, LLC

 

1835 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Suite 602 Hallandale Beach, FL 33012

 

AGENCY:Agency for Health Care Administration

 

Bureau of Managed Health Care

 

P .0. Box 12800 Tallahassee, Florida 32317-2800

 

	
  

	
CMS Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Office of Managed Care Regional Office IV 101 Marietta Tower, Suite No. 1114

 

Atlanta, Georgia 30323

 

14 MODIFICATION/REGULATORY AMENDMENTS

 

14.1 Unless specifically permitted herein, this Agreement and the attachments hereto constitute the entire understanding of the parties and no changes, amendments or alterations shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both parties. Plan may, however, amend this Agreement to comply with any applicable statutes and regulations, and shall give notice to Group of such Amendment and its effective date. Any such Amendment will become effective unless Group notifies Plan in writing within fifteen (15) days from receipt. Unless Group expressly rejects the Amendment as prescribed herein or regulatory authorities direct otherwise, the signature of Group will not be required.

 

15 MEDICARE REQUIREMENTS

 

In addition to the other provisions set forth in this Agreement, the following requirements specifically apply to any Members that are enrolled by Plan under a Medicare Contract between Plan and CMS.

15.1 Non-Compliance with Federal. State or Regulatory Agency: During the term of this Agreement if Group's performance results in an issue of non-compliance with state or regulatory agencies, Group shall be financially responsible, hold harmless and indemnify Plan for payment of any interests or fines which are accrued or imposed as a result of any such non-compliance. Group shall make such payment to Plan within thirty (30) days of notification. If Group fails to pay penalties within this time frame, Plan shall deduct any amounts owed from Group's reimbursement or from the reserve amount in the event that Group is operating in a deficit.

 

15.2 Billing Members: Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers that requires that Physicians/Providers not seek reimbursement from Plan's Medicare Members for services rendered to them under or in the course of this Agreement. Should the contracts with CMS be terminated or expire, payment for all services performed for eligible Medicare Members prior to termination will be guaranteed by Plan.

 

15.3 Workers Compensation Insurance: Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers that requires that Physicians/Providers, during the term of this Agreement, secure and maintain workers compensation insurance for all of the Physician's/Provider's employees connected with the services provided to Medicare Members pursuant to Plan's pursuant to Plan's contract with CMS.

 

15.4 Agency Liability: Group agrees that neither CMS, nor any Medicare Plan Member will be held liable for any debts of Group or Plan. This Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement for any reason, including breach of contract because of insolvency.

 

15.5 Payments Due: Plan agrees that all payments due as a result of services rendered to Members of Plan shall be made after all properly documented invoices have been received by Plan according the state and Federal guidelines. This Agreement calls for the invoices to be submitted on the appropriate CMS 1500 or UB92.

 

15.6 Non-Payment: Plan may not pay, directly or indirectly, on any basis, for services rendered by Group to a Plan MEDICARE Member if Group files or is required to file an affidavit with a Medicare carrier agreeing to furnish Medicare services to any Medicare beneficiary through a private contract, except that payment may be made by Plan for emergency or urgent services. Such payment shall be limited to the Medicare Allowable Charge.

 

15.7 Physician Cooperation: Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers that requires that Physicians/Providers cooperate and participate in any internal and external quality assurance, utilization review, peer review, and grievance and/or appeals procedures established by Plan.

 

15.8 Insolvency: Group agrees that, pursuant to Florida Statutes and the contract with the Agency and with CMS, Plan is required to maintain a plan for handling insolvency which provides for the continuation of benefits and payments to non-participating physicians for services rendered both prior to and after insolvency for the duration of the contract period for which payment by or on behalf of the Member has been made, or the discharge of the Member from an inpatient facility, whichever occurs later. Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers that requires that Physicians/Providers agree that, in the event of Plan's insolvency, the Physicians/Providers will continue the provision of services to Members under this Agreement through the period for which premium or capitation from the Agency or from CMS has been paid and continue the provision of services to Members confined on the date of insolvency in an inpatient facility until their discharge.

 

15.9 Timely Access: Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers that requires that Physicians/Providers provide timely access to physician appointments to comply with the availability schedule: urgent care -within twenty-four hours; routine sick care -within five (5) business days; well care -within one month.

 

15.10 Physician Reporting: Group agrees to include language in its Agreement with Physicians/Providers that requires that Physicians/Providers submit all reports and clinical information required by Plan including CHCU reporting (if applicable). Under the terms of the Medicare Advantage contract with CMS, Plan is required to file certain data and reports pertaining to its Medicare Members. Therefore, Group agrees and shall cause its Physicians/Providers

 

 

  

10

  

 

	
19

	  

participating under this Agreement to agree to provide in an accurate and timely manner all data which Plan is required to collect and submit to CMS as a condition of its Medicare Advantage contract, including Medicare HEDIS information and any required encounter data.

 

15.11 Claim Payment: Plan shall pay claims on behalf of all Plan Members and in accordance with state and federal guidelines and applicable laws.

 

15.12 Interpretation. The validity, enforceability and interpretation of any of the clauses of this Agreement shall be determined and governed by applicable Florida law as well as applicable federal laws. In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and any contract to provide services to Medicare beneficiaries entered into between Plan and DHHS or CMS or (c) any other contract between Plan and a governmental entity with respect to a government heath care or benefit program (hereinafter collectively the "Contracts") for which Group is providing services, the Contracts shall govern. The parties agree that venue for any legal action regarding this Agreement shall be in the state or federal courts in Hillsborough County, Florida.

 

16. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND DELEGATED ACTIVITIES

 

 

16.1 Group acknowledges and agrees that:

 

AIts Agreements with Physicians/Providers are subject to review and approval by Plan, CMS, AHCA and other

applicable regulatory agencies.

B.Plan receives payments in whole or in part from federal funds. Contractors and subcontractors, including

 

Group, are subject to certain laws that are applicable to individuals and entities receiving federal funds. Plan oversees and is accountable to CMS for any functions or responsibilities that are contained in a Plan MEDICARE Contract including those that Plan may delegate to others. Activities or responsibilities under a Plan MEDICARE Contract that are delegated by Plan to Group must be set forth in a written agreement that contains, at a minimum, the following CMS delegation requirements: (1) the specific delegated activities and reporting requirements; (2) the right of revocation of the delegation activities and reporting requirements in instances where CMS or Plan determines that Group has not performed satisfactorily; (3) a provision specifying that performance of Group is monitored by Plan on an ongoing basis; (4) a provision specifying that the credentialing process must be reviewed and approved by Plan, and Plan shall audit the credentialing process on an ongoing basis; and (5) a requirement that Group must comply with all applicable Medicare laws, regulations and CMS instructions. Any written delegation agreement between Plan and Group is hereby amended to include these requirements.

 

Group must comply with the terms of this provision as it relates to delegation for provision of Covered Services to all Plan Members.

 

16.2 Individual Providers and Facilities:

 

A. If Group is a medical Group, facility or other entity whose staff of health care professionals consist wholly or

 

partially of employees, Group represents and warrants that it has the unqualified authority to bind all such employees to the terms of this Agreement. Group has arrangements with subcontractors as defined in subsection (B), below, to render Covered Services to Plan Members. Group shall ensure that all such subcontracts are duly amended to incorporate the terms contained in this Agreement through one of the methods described in subsections (B)(I) and (B)(2), below.

 

B. If Group is an independent practice association, physician hospital organization, or other intermediary or

 

network organization contracting on behalf of heath care providers and/or facilities, Group shall ensure that all arrangements with subcontractors for participation in Plan's network of Participating Providers are in writing and duly executed. Group shall ensure that all agreements with subcontractors are duly amended to incorporate the terms contained in this Agreement through one of the following methods:

1. If the subcontract contains language that permits a unilateral amendment, Group shall unilaterally amend each subcontract to include the terms of this Agreement. Group shall provide Plan with written proof that ft has unilaterally amended each such subcontract within thirty (30) days notice of signing this Agreement.

2. If the subcontract does not contain language that permits unilateral amendment, Group shall obtain a signed amendment for each subcontract to include the terms of this Agreement. Copies of the amendments, executed by all parties, must be mailed to Plan no later than thirty (30) days after the execution of this Agreement. C. Group shall ensure that the terms of this Agreement are included in all future and pending agreements with subcontractors who agree to provide services to Plan Members. Group further agrees to promptly amend the agreements with subcontractors, in the manner requested by Plan, to meet any additional CMS, HHS or other federal or state requirements. Refusal of any subcontractor to agree to the terms in this Agreement shall be grounds for the termination of such subcontractor from Plan's network of Participating Providers.

 

16.3 Noninterference with Advice to Plan's Members:

 

Nothing in the Agreement is intended to prohibit or restrict Group or its Participating Providers from advising or advocating on behalf of a Plan Member about (1) Plan Member's health status, medical care, or treatment options (including alternative treatments that may be self-administered), including providing sufficient information to Plan Member to provide an opportunity to decide among all relevant treatment options; (2) the risks, benefits and consequences of treatment or non-treatment; and (3) the opportunity for Plan Member to refuse treatment and express preferences about future treatment decisions. Group and its Participating Providers must provide information regarding treatment options in a culturally competent manner, including the option of no treatment. Group and its Participating Providers must assure that individuals with disabilities are furnished with effective communications in making decisions regarding treatment options.

 

16.4 Additional Termination Provisions:

 

Notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, the following provisions shall apply to Group's participation in Plan's Medicare Advantage network of Participating Providers only:

 

a.) Group's participation in Plan Medicare Advantage network of Participating Providers may be terminated by Plan immediately upon written notice to Group due to: (1) loss or suspension of licensure or certification; (2) Provider sanction by Medicare. Termination shall apply to the affected Provider and not to group when applicable.

 

b.) If the Agreement contains any provision permitting termination without cause, notice of such termination shall be given by either party in accordance with the applicable provision of the Agreement, but in no such case shall the notice period be less than sixty (60) days prior to the termination date for Group .

 

G.) If Provider is a physician, any written notice of provider suspension or termination for cause shall Include the following, to the extent applicable: (1) the reason for the suspension or termination; (2) the standards and profiling data used by Plan to evaluate Provider; (3) the numbers and mix of physicians needed in the network; (4) the Provider's right to appeal the action; and (5) the process and timing for requesting a hearing.

 

17 DELEGATED ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS

 

17.1 Delegation: Plan shall delegate those administrative functions outlined in Attachment G. Initial delegation and delegation renewal will be subject to review and approval of Group's performance of delegated administrative functions and compliance by Group of all Plan and regulatory guidelines. Failure of Group to perform delegated administrative functions in compliance with Plan's policies and procedures shall result in revocation of delegation for one or all of the administrative functions that have been delegated.

 

 

 

  

11

  

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.

 

PLAN

 

Citrus Health Care, inc., a Florida corporation

 

/s/

 

GROUP

 

The MED Family, LLC, (Group)

 

/s/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00195-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00195-of-00352.parquet"}]]