(a) A health benefit plan issuer shall maintain and make available a secure system on the issuer’s Internet website that allows a physician or health care provider for a hospital or freestanding emergency medical care facility to determine at any time:
(1) whether the physician’s or provider’s patient is covered by the issuer’s health benefit plan; and
(2) the deductible, copayment, or coinsurance for which the patient is responsible.
(b) A health benefit plan issuer may provide the information described by Subsection (a) through:
(1) an existing Internet portal that is available at all times; or
(2) an Internet portal that is:
(A) provided by a third party contracting with the issuer; and
(B) available at all times.