148.103—Definitions.

Unless otherwise provided, the following definition applies:
Eligible individual means an individual who meets the following conditions:
(1) The individual has at least 18 months of creditable coverage (as determined under § 146.113 of this subchapter) as of the date on which the individual seeks coverage under this part.
(2) The individual's most recent prior creditable coverage was under a group health plan, governmental plan, or church plan (or health insurance coverage offered in connection with any of these plans).
(3) The individual is not eligible for coverage under any of the following:
(i) A group health plan.
(ii) Part A or Part B of Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act.
(iii) A State plan under Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (or any successor program).
(4) The individual does not have other health insurance coverage.
(5) The individual's most recent coverage was not terminated because of nonpayment of premiums or fraud. (For more information about nonpayment of premiums or fraud, see § 146.152(b)(1) and (b)(2) of this subchapter.)
(6) If the individual has been offered the option of continuing coverage under a COBRA continuation provision or a similar State program, the individual has both elected and exhausted the continuation coverage.