Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 111 Part 1.djvu/305

 PUBLIC LAW 105-33—AUG. 5, 1997 111 STAT. 281 benefits in its base benefit package or offers optional supplemental benefits and the terms and conditions (including premiums) for such coverage. "(5) MAINTAINING A TOLL-FREE NUMBER AND INTERNET SITE. —The Secretary shall maintain a toll-free number for inquiries regarding Medicare+Choice options and the operation of this part in all areas in which Medicare+Choice plans are offered and an Internet site through which individuals may electronically obtain information on such options and Medicare+Choice plans. "(6) USE OF NON-FEDERAL ENTITIES.— The Secretary may enter into contracts with non-Federal entities to carry out activities under this subsection. "(7) PROVISION OF INFORMATION. —A Medicare+Choice organization shall provide the Secretary with such information on the organization and each Medicare+Choice plan it offers as may be required for the preparation of the information referred to in paragraph (2)(A). "(e) COVERAGE ELECTION PERIODS.— "(1) INITIAL CHOICE UPON ELIGIBILITY TO MAKE ELECTION IF MEDICARE+CHOICE PLANS AVAILABLE TO INDIVIDUAL. —IF, AT the time an individual first becomes entitled to benefits under part A and enrolled under part B, there is one or more Medicare+Choice plans offered in the area in which the individual resides, the individual shall make the election under this section during a period specified by the Secretary such that if the individual elects a Medicare+Choice plan during the period, coverage under the plan becomes effective as of the first date on which the individual may receive such coverage. "(2) OPEN ENROLLMENT AND DISENROLLMENT OPPORTUNI- TIES. — Subject to paragraph (5)— " (A) CONTINUOUS OPEN ENROLLMENT AND DISENROLLMENT THROUGH 2001.— At any time during 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001, a Medicare+Choice eligible individual may change the election under subsection (a)(1). " (B) CONTINUOUS OPEN ENROLLMENT AND DISENROLLMENT FOR FIRST 6 MONTHS DURING 2002.— "(i) IN GENERAL.— Subject to clause (ii), at any time during the first 6 months of 2002, or, if the individual first becomes a Medicare+Choice eligible individual during 2002, during the first 6 months during 2002 in which the individual is a Medicare+Choice eligible individual, a Medicare+Choice eligible individual may change the election under subsection (a)(1). " (ii) LIMITATION OF ONE CHANGE.—An individual may exercise the right under clause (i) only once. The limitation under this clause shall not apply to changes in elections effected during an annual, coordinated election period under paragraph (3) or during a special enrollment period under the first sentence of paragraph (4). " (C) CONTINUOUS OPEN ENROLLMENT AND DISENROLLMENT FOR FIRST 3 MONTHS IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS. — "(i) IN GENERAL.—Subject to clause (ii), at any time during the first 3 months of a year after 2002, or, if the individual first becomes a Medicare+Choice

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