§ 17B:27-54 — Application of provisions; definitions.

14. The provisions of sections 14 through 27 of P.L.1997, c.146 (C.17B:27-54 through C.17B:27-67) shall apply to group health insurance coverage that is not subject to the provisions of P.L.1992, c.161 and c.162 (C.17B:27A-2 et seq. and 17B:27A-17 et seq.). To the extent that any provision of sections 14 through 27 of P.L.1997, c.146 (C.17B:27-54 through C.17B:27-67) is inconsistent with the provisions of chapter 27 of Title 17B of the New Jersey Statutes and P.L.1973, c.337 (C.26:2J-1 et seq.), the provisions of sections 14 through 27 shall supersede those laws. As used in sections 14 through 27 of P.L.1997, c.146 (C.17B:27-54 through C.17B:27-67): "Affiliation period" means a period which, under the terms of the group health plan offered by a health maintenance organization, begins on the enrollment date and which must expire before the health insurance becomes effective. The health maintenance organization shall not be required to provide health care services or benefits during such period and no premium shall be charged. "Creditable coverage" means, with respect to an individual, coverage of the individual, other than coverage of excepted benefits, under any of the following: a group health plan; health insurance coverage; Part A or Part B of Title XVIII of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.s.1395 et seq.); Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.s.1396 et seq.); other than coverage consisting solely of benefits under section 1928 of Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.s.1396s); chapter 55 of Title 10, United States Code (10 U.S.C. s.1071 et seq.); a medical care program of the Indian Health Service of a tribal organization; a state health benefits risk pool; a health plan offered under chapter 89 of Title 5, United States Code (5 U.S.C. s.8901 et seq.); a public health plan; and a health benefits plan under section 5(e) of the "Peace Corps Act" (22 U.S.C.s.2504(e)). "Enrollment date" means, with respect to an individual covered under a group health plan or health insurance coverage, the date of enrollment of the individual in the plan or coverage or, if earlier, the first day of the waiting period for enrollment. "Excepted benefits" means: a. coverage only for accident or disability income insurance, or any combination thereof; coverage issued as a supplement to liability insurance; liability insurance, including general liability insurance and automobile liability insurance; workers' compensation or similar insurance; automobile medical payment insurance; credit-only insurance; coverage for on-site medical clinics; and other similar insurance coverage, as specified by federal regulation, under which benefits for medical care are secondary or incidental to other insurance benefits; b. when provided under a separate policy, certificate or contract of insurance or otherwise not an integral part of the group health plan: limited scope dental or vision benefits, benefits for long-term care, nursing home care, home health care, community-based care, or any combination thereof, and such other similar, limited benefits as are specified by federal regulation; c. when offered as independent, noncoordinated benefits: hospital indemnity or other fixed indemnity insurance; d. when offered as a separate insurance policy, certificate or contract of insurance: Medicare supplemental insurance as defined under section 1882(g)(1) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. s.1395ss(g)(1)) and coverage supplemental to the coverage provided under chapter 55 of Title 10, United States Code (10 U.S.C.s.1071 et seq.) and similar supplemental coverage provided in addition to coverage under a group health plan. "Group health plan" means an employee welfare benefit plan, as defined in Title I of section 3 of Pub.L.93-406, the "Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974" (29 U.S.C. s.1002(1)), to the extent that the plan provides medical care and including items and services paid for as medical care to employees or their dependents, as defined under the terms of the plan, directly or through insurance, reimbursement or otherwise. "Health insurance coverage" means benefits consisting of medical care, provided directly, through insurance or reimbursement, or otherwise, and including items and services paid for as medical care, under any hospital or medical expense policy or certificate or health maintenance organization contract offered by a health insurer. "Health insurer" means an insurer licensed to sell health insurance pursuant to Title 17B of the New Jersey Statutes, a health, hospital or medical service corporation, fraternal benefit association or a health maintenance organization. "Health status-related factor" means: health status; medical condition, including both physical and mental illness; claims experience; receipt of health care; medical history; genetic information; evidence of insurability, including conditions arising out of acts of domestic violence; and disability. "Health maintenance organization" means a federally qualified health maintenance organization as defined in the "Health Maintenance Organization Act of 1973," Pub.L.93-222 (42 U.S.C. s.300e et seq.), an organization authorized under P.L.1973, c.337 (C.26:2J-1 et seq.), or a similar organization regulated under State law for solvency in the same manner and to the same extent as a health maintenance organization authorized to do business in this State. "Late enrollee" means a participant or beneficiary who enrolls in a group health plan other than during: the first period during which the individual is eligible to enroll in the plan; or a special enrollment period. "Medical care" means amounts paid: (1) for the diagnosis, care, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body; and (2) transportation primarily for and essential to medical care referred to in (1) above. "Network plan" means a group health plan offered by a health insurer under which the financing and delivery of medical care, including items and services paid for as medical care, are provided, in whole or in part, through a defined set of providers under contract with the insurer. Network plan includes a health maintenance organization or health insurance company with selective contracting arrangements. "Preexisting condition" means with respect to coverage, a limitation or exclusion of benefits relating to a condition based on the fact that the condition was present before the date of enrollment for that coverage, whether or not any medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment was recommended or received before that date. "Waiting period" means with respect to a group health plan and an individual who is a potential participant or beneficiary in the plan, the period that must pass with respect to the individual before the individual is eligible to be covered for benefits under the terms of the plan. L.1997, c.146, s.14; amended 2009, c.293, s.3.