(A)(1) Subject to item (2), a health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage in connection with a group health plan, may not establish rules for eligibility, including continued eligibility, of any individual to enroll under the terms of the plan based on any of the following health status-related factors in relation to the individual or a dependent of the individual:

(a) health status;

(b) medical condition, including both physical and mental illnesses;

(c) claims experience;

(d) receipt of health care;

(e) medical history;

(f) genetic information;

(g) evidence of insurability, including conditions arising out of acts of domestic violence;

(h) disability.

(2) To the extent consistent with Sections 38-71-850 and 38-71-1360 and any other applicable state law, item (1) shall not be construed:

(a) to require group health insurance coverage to provide particular benefits other than those provided under the terms of such coverage; or

(b) to prevent such a plan or coverage from establishing limitations or restrictions on the amount, level, extent, or nature of the benefits or coverage for similarly situated individuals enrolled in the plan or coverage.

(3) For purposes of item (1), rules for eligibility to enroll under a plan include rules defining any applicable waiting periods for the enrollment.

(B)(1) A health insurance issuer offering health insurance coverage in connection with a group health plan, may not require any individual, as a condition of enrollment or continued enrollment under the plan, to pay a premium or contribution which is greater than the premium or contribution for a similarly situated individual enrolled in the plan on the basis of any health status-related factor in relation to the individual or to an individual enrolled under the plan as a dependent of the individual.

(2) To the extent consistent with Sections 38-71-940, 38-71-200, and 38-55-50 and any other applicable state law, nothing in item (1) shall be construed to:

(a) restrict the amount that an employer may be charged for coverage under a group health plan under applicable state law; or

(b) prevent a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage, from establishing premium discounts or rebates or modifying otherwise applicable copayments or deductibles in return for adherence to programs of health promotion and disease prevention, in accordance with applicable state law.

HISTORY: 1997 Act No. 5, Section 3.