(a) An HMO must include on its enrollment form a space in which an enrollee may indicate:
  (1) the enrollee's primary language; and
  (2) whether the enrollee has a disability affecting the enrollee's ability to communicate or read.
(b) The HMO must provide, at its own expense, a member handbook and materials relating to the complaint and appeal process and the availability of the independent review process in the language of the major population of the HMO's enrolled population under Insurance Code §843.205 (concerning Member's Handbook; Information About Complaints and Appeals). The HMO may deliver the member handbook and materials electronically but must provide a paper copy on request.
(c) If a member has a disability affecting the member's ability to communicate or read, then the HMO must provide, at its own expense, a member handbook and materials relating to the complaint and appeal process and the availability of the independent review process in the appropriate format, including, but not limited to:
  (1) Braille;
  (2) large print, no smaller than 17 point;
  (3) audio tape;
  (4) TDD access;
  (5) an interpreter; or
  (6) any combination of the above.

Source Note: The provisions of this §11.1602 adopted to be effective August 1, 2017, 42 TexReg 2169