Sec. 17. (a) If, at any time during an external review performed under this chapter, the covered individual submits information to the insurer that is relevant to the insurer’s resolution of the covered individual’s appeal of a grievance decision under IC 27-8-28-17 and that was not considered by the insurer under IC 27-8-28:

(1) the insurer may reconsider the resolution under IC 27-8-28-17; and

(2) if the insurer chooses to reconsider, the independent review organization shall cease the external review process until the reconsideration under subsection (b) is completed.

     (b) An insurer reconsidering the resolution of an appeal of a grievance decision due to the submission of information under subsection (a) shall reconsider the resolution under IC 27-8-28-17 based on the information and notify the covered individual of the insurer’s decision:

(1) within seventy-two (72) hours after the information is submitted, for a reconsideration related to an illness, a disease, a condition, an injury, or a disability that would seriously jeopardize the covered individual’s:

(A) life or health; or

(B) ability to reach and maintain maximum function; or

(2) within fifteen (15) days after the information is submitted, for a reconsideration not described in subdivision (1).

     (c) If the decision reached under subsection (b) is adverse to the covered individual, the covered individual may request that the independent review organization resume the external review under this chapter.

     (d) If an insurer to which information is submitted under subsection (a) chooses not to reconsider the insurer’s resolution under IC 27-8-28-17, the insurer shall forward the submitted information to the independent review organization not more than two (2) business days after the insurer’s receipt of the information.

As added by P.L.66-2001, SEC.3 and P.L.203-2001, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.1-2002, SEC.120.