Hospice care coverage

(a) Any other law to the contrary notwithstanding, commencing on January 1, 2000, all authorized insurers that provide for payment of or reimbursement for hospice care shall reimburse hospice care services for each insured policyholder covered for hospice care according to the following: (1) A minimum daily rate as set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for hospice care; (2) Reimbursement for residential hospice room and board expenses directly related to the hospice care being provided; and (3) Reimbursement for each hospice referral visit during which a patient is advised of hospice care options, regardless of whether the referred patient is eventually admitted to hospice care. (b) Every insurer shall provide notice to its policyholders regarding the coverage required by this section. Notice shall be in writing and in literature or correspondence sent to policyholders, beginning with calendar year 2000, along with any other mailing to policyholders, but in no case later than July 1, 2000.