Universal accident and sickness insurance claim forms, design and use; acceptance of claims by insurer

(a) The commissioner of insurance shall devise universal forms to be utilized by every insurance company, including health maintenance organizations where applicable, offering any type of accident and sickness policy covering individuals residing in this state for the purpose of receiving every claim under such policy by persons covered thereunder. In the preparation of such forms, the commissioner may confer with representatives of insurance companies, health maintenance organizations, trade associations and other interested parties. Upon completion and final adoption of such forms by the commissioner, the commissioner shall notify those companies affected by sending them a copy of such forms and an explanation of the requirements of this section. Every such company shall implement utilization of such forms not later than six months following the date of the commissioner's notification. (b) An accident and sickness insurer may not refuse to accept a claim submitted on duly promulgated uniform claim forms. An insurer may accept claims submitted on any other form. (c) An accident and sickness insurer does not violate subsection (a) by using a document that the accident and sickness insurer has been required to use by the federal government or the state.