17B:27-59 - Application of creditable coverage
17B:27-59. Application of creditable coverage
19. Except as provided in this section, a health insurer which offers a group health plan shall count a period of creditable coverage without regard to the specific benefits covered during the period. A health insurer offering a group health plan may elect to apply creditable coverage based on coverage of each of several classes or categories of benefits as specified by federal regulation where such election is made or a uniform basis for all participants and beneficiaries and where under such election a health insurer shall count a period of creditable coverage with respect to any class or category of benefits if any level of benefits is covered within the class or category. A health insurer who makes the election with respect to group health plans offered in this State shall prominently state in any disclosure statement concerning the coverage and to each employer at the time of the offer or sale of the coverage, that the health insurer has made that election and shall include in the disclosure statements a description of the effect of the election.
A health insurer shall promptly disclose to a requesting plan or insurer and may charge a reasonable fee for information on, coverage of classes and categories of health benefits available under its coverage.
L.1997,c.146,s.19.