§ 15-414. Conversion rights of covered spouse ceasing to be dependent

   (a) Scope of section. -- This section applies to:

   (1) each group or blanket contract that:

      (i) is delivered or issued for delivery in the State;

      (ii) provides hospital, medical, or surgical benefits for employees or subscribers and their dependents; and

      (iii) allows an employee or subscriber to convert the coverage in the event of termination of employment or membership; and

   (2) each group contract that:

      (i) is delivered or issued for delivery in the State by a nonprofit health service plan;

      (ii) provides hospital, medical, or surgical benefits for employees or members and their dependents; and

      (iii) allows an employee or member to convert the coverage in the event of termination of employment or membership.

(b) In general. -- Each group contract subject to this section shall provide the same conversion rights and conditions to a covered dependent spouse of an employee, member, or subscriber that are provided to the covered employee, member, or subscriber, if the dependent spouse ceases to be a qualified family member because of divorce or the death of the employee, member, or subscriber.

(c) Physical examination or statement of health prohibited. -- Conversion rights shall be provided under this section without a physical examination or statement of health.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 48A, § 345K, 477N; 1997, ch. 35, § 2.