The department may permit the exclusion of coverage or benefits for charges or expenses incurred by a subscriber during the first six months of enrollment in the program for any condition for which, during the six months immediately preceding enrollment in the program medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received as to the condition during that period.

However, the exclusion from coverage of this section shall be waived to the extent to which the subscriber was covered under any creditable coverage, as defined in Section 10900 of the Insurance Code, that was terminated, provided the subscriber has applied for enrollment in the program not later than 63 days following termination of the prior coverage, or within 180 days of termination of coverage if the subscriber lost his or her previous creditable coverage because the subscriber’s employment ended, the availability of health coverage offered through employment or sponsored by an employer terminated, or an employer’s contribution toward health coverage terminated. The exclusion from coverage of this section shall also be waived as to any condition of a subscriber previously receiving coverage under a plan of another state similar to the program established by this chapter if the subscriber was eligible for benefits under that other-state coverage for the condition. The department may establish alternative mechanisms applicable to enrollment in participating health plans. These mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, a postenrollment waiting period.

(Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 31, Sec. 90. (SB 857) Effective June 20, 2014. Section operative July 1, 2014, pursuant to Section 15872.5.)