(a) When a shortened benefit period nonforfeiture benefit, as described in Section 10235.30, or a contingent benefit upon lapse, as described in Section 10235.35, is conferred, the insurer shall mail to and receive from each policyholder or certificate holder an election form which allows the policyholder or certificate holder to elect one of the following:

(1) A written designation listing the name, address, and telephone number of at least one individual, in addition to the policyholder or certificate holder, who is to receive the annual notice as described in subdivision (c).

(2) A confirmation that the policyholder or certificate holder designates the same person previously designated in Section 10235.40 to receive the annual notice as described in subdivision (c).

(3) A waiver signed and dated by the policyholder or certificate holder electing not to designate additional persons to receive the annual notice as described in subdivision (c). The required waiver shall read as follows:

“I understand that I have the right to designate at least one person other than myself to receive annual notification related to the benefit retained under this long-term care insurance policy. I elect not to designate any person other than myself to receive the notice.

___________________________________________________________

Signature of Policyholder or Certificate Holder Date”

(b) The insurer shall notify all holders of a shortened benefit period nonforfeiture benefit or a contingent benefit upon lapse at the time of the annual notice as described in subdivision (c), of the right to change the election described in subdivision (a).

(c) At the time a shortened benefit period nonforfeiture benefit or contingent benefit upon lapse is conferred and annually thereafter the insurer shall notify all holders of the benefit and, if elected, at least one individual designated pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (a) by first-class United States mail, postage prepaid, of all of the following:

(1) The availability of the shortened benefit period nonforfeiture benefit or contingent benefit upon lapse.

(2) The dollar amount of the shortened benefit period nonforfeiture benefit or contingent benefit upon lapse calculated up to 60 days prior to the date of the annual notice. The notice shall state that the amount may have been reduced if benefits were paid in the period subsequent to the date on which that amount was calculated.

(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the insurer for questions about the shortened benefit period nonforfeiture benefit or contingent benefit upon lapse.

(d) For individuals who hold contingent benefits upon lapse as of the effective date of this section, the insurer shall send the election form required in subdivision (a) by July 1, 2016.

(e) If, upon proper mailing by the insurer, the policyholder or certificate holder fails to return the election form described in subdivision (a) within 90 days, the failure will be deemed a waiver as provided in paragraph (3) of subdivision (a).

(Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 544, Sec. 1. (SB 575) Effective January 1, 2016.)