(a) The Commissioner of Social Services may contract with one or more administrative services organizations to provide care coordination, utilization management, disease management, customer service and review of grievances for recipients of assistance under the HUSKY Health program. Such organization may also provide network management, credentialing of providers, monitoring of copayments and premiums and other services as required by the commissioner. Subject to approval by applicable federal authority, the Department of Social Services shall utilize the contracted organization’s provider network and billing systems in the administration of the program. In order to implement the provisions of this section, the commissioner may establish rates of payment to providers of medical services under this section if the establishment of such rates is required to ensure that any contract entered into with an administrative services organization pursuant to this section is cost neutral to such providers in the aggregate and ensures patient access. Utilization may be a factor in determining cost neutrality.

(b) Any contract entered into with an administrative services organization, pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, shall include a provision to reduce inappropriate use of hospital emergency department services, which may include a cost-sharing requirement and intensive care management services.