40-2254. Group accident and sickness insurance; extension of payment of benefits. Every issuer of a group policy and certificate of accident and sickness insurance providing inpatient hospital, medical-surgical benefits issued or renewed within this state or issued or renewed outside this state covering residents within this state shall:

(a) Include in its contracts a provision extending payment of such benefits until discharged or for a period not less than 31 days following the expiration date of the policy, whichever is earlier, for covered insureds confined in a hospital on the date of termination;

(b) not fail to enroll in a replacement group policy, contract or certificate without any gap in coverage any individual who is confined to a hospital or otherwise disabled at the time such individual's prior group policy, contract or certificate terminates;

(c) provide that payment of benefits under any subsequent replacement policy, contract or certificate that is intended to afford continuous coverage will commence immediately following expiration of any prior policy, contract or certificate.

History: L. 1993, ch. 231, § 1; L. 2001, ch. 40, § 1; July 1.