(a) No long-term care insurance policy or certificate other than a group policy or certificate, as described in subdivision (a) of Section 10231.6, shall use a definition of preexisting condition which is more restrictive than a condition for which medical advice or treatment was recommended by, or received from a provider of health care services, within six months preceding the effective date of coverage of an insured person.

(b) Every long-term care insurance policy or certificate shall cover preexisting conditions that are disclosed on the application no later than six months following the effective date of the coverage of an insured, regardless of the date the loss or confinement begins.

(c) The definition of preexisting condition does not prohibit an insurer from using an application form designed to elicit the complete health history of an applicant, and on the basis of the answers on that application, from underwriting in accordance with that insurer’s established underwriting standards. Unless otherwise provided in the policy or certificate a preexisting condition, regardless of whether it is disclosed on the application, need not be covered until the waiting period described in subdivision (b) expires. Unless a waiver or rider has been specifically approved by the commissioner, no long-term care insurance policy or certificate may exclude or use waivers or riders of any kind to exclude, limit, or reduce coverage or benefits for specifically named or described preexisting diseases or physical conditions beyond the waiting period described in subdivision (b).

(Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 947, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2000.)