§ 27-18.6-4. Discrimination prohibited. (a)(1) Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this title to the contrary, a group health plan and a health insurance carrier offering group health insurance in connection with a group health plan may not establish rules for eligibility (including continued eligibility) of any individual to enroll under the terms of the plan based on health status-related factors in relation to the individual or dependent of the individual.

(2) Rules for eligibility to enroll under a plan include rules defining any applicable waiting periods for enrollment.

(b) Subsection (a) of this section shall not be construed:

(1) To require a group health plan or group health insurance coverage to provide particular benefits other than those provided under the terms of the plan or coverage; or

(2) To prevent a plan or coverage from establishing limitations on the amount, level, extent, or nature of the benefits or coverage for similarly situated individuals enrolled in the coverage.

(c)(1) A group health plan and a health insurance carrier offering health insurance coverage in connection with a group health plan may not require any individual (as a condition of enrollment or continued enrollment under the plan) to pay a premium or contribution which is greater than the premium or contribution for a similarly situated individual enrolled in the plan on the basis of any health status-related factor in relation to the individual or to an individual enrolled under the plan as dependent of the individual.

(2) Nothing contained within this subsection shall be construed to:

(i) Restrict the amount that an employer may be charged for coverage under a group health plan; or

(ii) Prevent a group health plan and a health insurance carrier offering group health insurance coverage from establishing premium discounts or rebates or modifying applicable copayments or deductibles in return for adherence to programs of health promotion and disease prevention.

History of Section. (P.L. 2000, ch. 200, § 4; P.L. 2000, ch. 229, § 4.)