In this article, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) “Carrier” means the insurance company, nonprofit hospital service corporation, or other entity responsible for the payment of benefits or provision of services under a policy.

(b) “Dependent” shall have the meaning set forth in a policy.

(c) “Discontinuance” shall mean the termination of a policy or the termination of coverage between an entire employer unit under a group disability policy, group nonprofit hospital service contract or self-insured welfare benefit plan, and does not refer to the termination of any agreement between any individual member under a contract and the disability insurer, nonprofit hospital service contract or self-insured welfare benefit plan.

(d) “Employee” means all agents, employees, and members of unions or associations to whom benefits are provided under a policy.

(e) “Extension of benefits” means the continuation of coverage under a particular benefit provided under a policy following discontinuance with respect to an employee or dependent who is totally disabled on the date of discontinuance.

(f) “Policy” means any group insurance policy, group hospital service contract or other plan, contract or policy subject to the provisions of this article.

(g) “Policyholder” means the entity to which a policy or contract specified in Section 10128 is issued.

(h) “Premium” means the consideration payable to the carrier.

(i) “Replacement coverage” means the benefits provided by a succeeding carrier.

(j) “Totally disabled” shall have the meaning set forth in a policy.

(Amended by Stats. 1983, Ch. 126, Sec. 2.)