AVAILABILITY OF MANDATORY MEDIATION.

(a) An out-of-network provider or a health benefit plan issuer or administrator may request mediation of a settlement of an out-of-network health benefit claim through a portal on the department's Internet website if:

(1) there is an amount billed by the provider and unpaid by the issuer or administrator after copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance for which an enrollee may not be billed; and

(2) the health benefit claim is for:

(A) emergency care;

(B) an out-of-network laboratory service; or

(C) an out-of-network diagnostic imaging service.

(b) If a person requests mediation under this subchapter, the out-of-network provider or the provider's representative, and the health benefit plan issuer or the administrator, as appropriate, shall participate in the mediation.

(c) Repealed by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1342 (S.B. 1264), Sec. 3.03(3), eff. September 1, 2019.

(d) Repealed by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1342 (S.B. 1264), Sec. 3.03(3), eff. September 1, 2019.