text:
Nothing in this article shall apply to or affect:
(a) Any policy of liability or workers' compensation insurance nor shall any of the references to "other insurance" contained in this article be interpreted to mean, include, or apply to, any policy of liability or workers' compensation insurance.
(b) Any group accident and sickness policy issued in accordance with article sixteen of this chapter.
(c) Life insurance (including endowment or annuity contracts), or contracts supplemental thereto, which contain only such provisions relating to accident and sickness insurance as (1) provide additional benefits in case of death by accidental means, or as (2) operate to safeguard such contracts against lapse, or to give a special surrender value or special benefit or an annuity in the event that the insured shall become totally and permanently disabled as defined by the contract or supplemental contract.
(d) Reinsurance.
(1) The premium rates for the policy, after adjustment for any difference in policy benefits, which include, but are not limited to, deductibles, copayments and levels of care management, do not exceed by more than thirty percent the premium rates charged by the same insurer on any and all other individual major medical policies for those individuals with similar characteristics and factors, which the insurer has had approved by the commissioner within a five-year period preceding the date of the new policy filing by the insurer;
(2) The insurer files with the commissioner the opinion of a qualified actuary or other person acceptable to the commissioner which states:
(A) That the policy premium rate is in compliance with subdivision (1) of this subsection; and
(B) That the anticipated loss ratio for the combined experience of the policy taken together with all other individual major medical coverage policies which the insurer has had approved by the commissioner within a five-year period preceding the date of the new policy filing is equal to or greater than the loss ratio requirements set forth in section one-a of this article.
(3) For a period of three years after the effective date of this section, an insurer may have one or more policy forms which exceed the one hundred thirty percent requirement of subdivision (2) of this subsection: Provided, That any rate schedule increase for such policy form shall not exceed thirty-three and one-third percent of the rate schedule increase for the lowest rate policy form. During the final twelve months of this three- year period, an insurer may request an extension of time for compliance from the commissioner based on extenuating circumstances.
(b) An initial individual major medical policy form may be disapproved by the commissioner if the commissioner determines that the rates proposed by the insurer for the policy form are set at a level substantially less than rates charged by other insurers for comparable insurance coverage.
(c) Nothing contained in this section may be construed to prevent the use of age, sex, area, industry, occupational, and avocational factors in setting premium rates or to prevent the use of different rates after approval by the commissioner for smokers and nonsmokers or for any other habit or habits of an insured person which have a statistically proven effect on the health of the person. Nothing contained in this section shall preclude the establishment of a substandard classification based upon the health condition of the insured: Provided, That the initial classification may not be changed adversely to the insured after the initial issuance of the policy.
(d) The commissioner has the right, upon application by an insurer, and for good cause shown, to grant relief from any requirement of this section.
(a) The entire money and other considerations therefor are expressed therein; and
(b) The time at which the insurance takes effect and terminates is expressed therein; and
(c) It purports to insure only one person, except that a policy may insure, originally or by subsequent amendment upon the application of an adult member of a family who shall be deemed the policyholder, any two or more eligible members of that family, including husband, wife, dependent children or any children under a specified age which shall not exceed nineteen years and any other person dependent upon the policyholder; and
(d) The policy is guaranteed to be renewable at the option of the insured except as provided in section two-d of this article; and
(e) The style, arrangement and over-all appearance of the policy give no undue prominence to any portion of the text, and unless every printed portion of the text of the policy and of any endorsements or attached papers is plainly printed in light-faced type of a style in general use, the size of which shall be uniform and not less than ten-point with a lowercase unspaced alphabet length not less than one hundred and twenty-point (the "text" shallinclude all printed matter except the name and address of the insurer, name or title of the policy, the brief description, if any, and captions and subcaptions), the policy shall clearly indicate on the first page the conditions of renewability; and
(f) The exceptions and reductions of indemnity are set forth in the policy and, except those which are set forth in sections four and five of this article, are printed, at the insurer's option, either included with the benefit provisions to which they apply, or under an appropriate caption such as "Exceptions," or "Exceptions and Reductions": Provided, That if an exception or reduction specifically applies only to a particular benefit of the policy, a statement of such exception or reduction shall be included with the benefit provision to which it applies; and
(g) Each such form, including riders and endorsements, shall be identified by a form number in the lower left-hand corner of the first part thereof; and
(h) It contains no provision purporting to make any portion of the charter, rules, constitution, or bylaws of the insurer a part of the policy unless such portion is set forth in full in the policy, except in the case of the incorporation of, or reference to, a statement of rates or classification of risks, or short-rate table filed with the commissioner; and
(i) Effective the first day of July, one thousand nine hundred ninety-seven, the insurer offers and accepts for enrollment pursuant to section two-b of this article every eligible individualwho applies for coverage within sixty-three days after termination of the individual's prior creditable coverage.
(a) "Accident and sickness insurance coverage" means benefits consisting of medical care (provided directly, through insurance or reimbursement, or otherwise and including items and services paid for as medical care) under any hospital or medical service policy of certificate, hospital or medical service plan contract, or health maintenance organization contract offered by an insurer, but does not include short-term limited duration insurance.
(b) "Bona fide association" means an association which has been actively in existence for at least five years; has been formed and maintained in good faith for purposes other than obtaining insurance; does not condition membership in the association on any health status-related factor relating to an individual; makes accident and sickness insurance coverage offered through the association available to all members regardless of any health status-related factor relating to the members or individuals eligible for coverage through a member; does not make accident and sickness insurance coverage offered through the association available other than in connection with a member of the association; and meets any additional requirements as may be set forth in this chapter or by rule.
(c) "COBRA continuation provision" means any of the following:
(1) Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, otherthan subsection (f)(1) of such section insofar as it relates to pediatric vaccines;
(2) Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, other than Section 609 of such act; or
(3) Title XXII of the Public Health Service Act.
(d) "Creditable coverage" means, with respect to an individual, coverage of the individual under any of the following:
(1) A group health plan;
(2) Accident and sickness insurance coverage;
(3) Part A or Part B of Title XVIII of the Social Security Act;
(4) Title XIX of the Social Security Act, other than coverage consisting solely of benefits under section 1928;
(5) Chapter 55 of Title 10 of the United States Code;
(6) A medical care program of the Indian Health Service or of a tribal organization;
(7) A state health benefits risk pool;
(8) A health plan offered under Chapter 89 of Title 5 of the United States Code;
(9) A public health plan (as defined in federal regulations); or
(10) A health benefit plan under section 5(e) of the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2504(e)).
The term "creditable coverage" does not include those benefits set forth in section two-g of this article.
(e) "Eligible individual" means an individual:
(1) For whom, as of the date on which the individual seeks coverage, the aggregate period of creditable coverage is eighteen months or more and whose most recent prior creditable coverage was under a group health plan, governmental plan (as defined in section 3(32) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974), church plan (as defined in section 3(33) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974), or accident and sickness insurance coverage offered in connection with any such plan;
(2) Who is not eligible for coverage under a group health plan, Part A or Part B of Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, or state plan under Title XIX of such act (or any successor program), and does not have other accident and sickness insurance coverage;
(3) With respect to whom the most recent prior creditable coverage was not terminated as a result of fraud, intentional misrepresentation of material fact under the terms of the coverage, or nonpayment of premium;
(4) Who did not turn down an offer of continuation of coverage under a COBRA continuation provision or under a similar state program if it was offered; and
(5) Who, if the individual elected such continuation coverage, has exhausted that coverage under the COBRA continuation provision or similar state program.
(f) "Group health plan" means an employee welfare benefit plan(as defined in section 3(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) to the extent that the plan provides medical care to employees and their dependents (as defined under the terms of the plan) directly or through insurance, reimbursement or otherwise.
(g) "Health status-related factor" means an individual's health status, medical condition (including both physical and mental illnesses), claims experience, receipt of health care, medical history, genetic information, and evidence of insurability (including conditions arising out of acts of domestic violence) or disability.
(h) "Higher-level coverage" means a policy form for which the actuarial value of the benefits under the coverage is at least fifteen percent greater than the actuarial value of lower-level coverage offered by the insurer in this state, and the actuarial value of the benefits under the coverage is at least one hundred percent but not greater than one hundred twenty percent of a weighted average.
(i) "Individual market" means the market for accident and sickness insurance coverage offered to individuals other than in connection with a group health plan.
(j) "Insurer" means an entity licensed by the commissioner to transact accident and sickness insurance in this state and subject to this chapter, but does not include a group health plan or short term limited duration insurance.
(k) "Lower-level coverage" means a policy form for which the actuarial value of the benefits under the coverage is at least eighty-five percent but not greater than one hundred percent of a weighted average.
(l) "Medical care" means amounts paid for, or paid for insurance covering, the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease, or amounts paid for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body, including the amounts paid for transportation primarily for and essential to such care.
(m) "Network plan" means accident and sickness insurance coverage of an insurer under which the financing and delivery of medical care (including items and services paid for as medical care) are provided, in whole or in part, through a definite set of providers under contract with the insurer.
(n) "Preexisting condition exclusion" means a limitation or exclusion of benefits relating to a condition based on the fact that the condition was present before the date of enrollment for coverage, whether or not any medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment was recommended or received before such date.
(o) "Weighted average" means the average actuarial value of the benefits provided by all the accident and sickness insurance coverage issued (as elected by the insurer) either by that insurer or by all insurers in this state in the individual accident and sickness market during the previous year (not including coverage issued under this section), weighted by enrollment for thedifferent coverage.
(1) Decline to offer coverage to, or deny enrollment of, an eligible individual; or
(2) Impose any preexisting condition exclusion with respect to such coverage.
(b) An insurer may elect to limit the coverage offered under subsection (a) of this section so long as:
(1) The insurer offers at least two different accident and sickness insurance policy forms, both of which are designed for, made generally available to, and actively marketed to, and enroll both eligible and other individuals; and
(2) As elected by the insurer:
(A) The insurer offers the policy forms for individual accident and sickness insurance coverage with the largest, and next to the largest, premium volume of all such policy forms offered by the insurer in this state in the period involved; or
(B) The insurer offers a lower-level coverage policy form and a higher-level coverage policy form each of which includes benefits substantially similar to other individual accident and sickness insurance coverage offered by the insurer in this state and each ofwhich is covered under a risk adjustment, risk spreading, or financial subsidization method. The actuarial value of benefits under a lower-level coverage policy form and a higher-level coverage policy form shall be calculated based on a standardized population and a set of standardized utilization and cost factors.
(c) The elections made by the insurer under subsection (b) of this section shall apply uniformly to all eligible individuals in this state for that insurer, and shall be effective for policies offered during a period of at least two years. Policy forms which have different riders or different cost-sharing arrangements shall be considered to be different policy forms.
(d) An insurer may deny accident and sickness coverage in the individual market to an eligible individual if the insurer has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the commissioner that:
(1) It does not have the financial reserves necessary to underwrite additional coverage; and
(2) Coverage is denied uniformly to all individuals in the individual market in the state without regard to any health status-related factor of the individuals and without regard to whether the individuals are eligible individuals.
(e) An insurer denying insurance coverage pursuant to the provisions of subsection (d) of this section may not offer accident and sickness coverage in the individual market for a period of one hundred eighty days after the date coverage is denied or until the insurer has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the commissionerthat it has sufficient financial reserves to underwrite additional coverage, whichever is later.
(f) Insurers offering accident and sickness insurance coverage in the individual market through a network plan may:
(1) Limit the individuals who may be enrolled to those who live, reside or work within the service area for the network plan; and
(2) Deny coverage to those individuals within the service area if the insurer has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the commissioner that:
(A) It will not have the capacity to deliver services adequately to additional individual enrollees because of its obligations to existing group contract holders and enrollees and individual enrollees; and
(B) It is applying this subsection uniformly to individuals without regard to any health status-related factor of the individuals and without regard to whether the individuals are eligible individuals.
(g) An insurer denying accident and sickness insurance coverage through a network plan pursuant to the provisions of subsection (f) of this section may not offer coverage in the individual market within its service area for a period of one hundred eighty days after coverage is denied.
(h) The provisions of this section shall not be construed to require that an insurer offering accident and sickness coverageonly in connection with group health plans or through one or more bona fide associations, or both, offer such accident and sickness insurance coverage in the individual market.
(i) An insurer offering accident and sickness insurance coverage in connection with group health plans shall not be deemed to be an insurer offering individual accident and sickness insurance coverage in the individual market solely because such insurer offers a conversion policy.
(j) The requirements of section one-b of this article do not apply to policies issued pursuant to this section. However, premium rate charges for individual accident and sickness policies issued pursuant to this section shall be filed with and approved by the commissioner pursuant to the provisions of article sixteen-b of this chapter.
(k) This section applies to individual accident and sickness insurance coverage offered, sold, issued, renewed or in effect after the thirtieth day of June, one thousand nine hundred ninety-seven.
(1) The individual has failed to pay premiums or contributions in accordance with the terms of the policy or the insurer has not received timely premium payments;
(2) The individual has performed an act or practice that constitutes fraud or made an intentional misrepresentation of material fact under the terms of coverage;
(3) The insurer is ceasing to offer coverage in accordance with the provisions of section two-e of this article;
(4) In the case of an insurer that offers coverage through a network plan, the individual no longer resides, lives or works in the service area but only if coverage is terminated uniformly without regard to any health status-related factor of covered individuals; or
(5) In the case of coverage made available in the individual market only through one or more bona fide associations, the individual's membership in the association ceases but only if coverage is terminated uniformly without regard to any health-status related factor of covered individuals.
(b) This section applies to individual accident and sickness insurance coverage offered, sold, issued, renewed or in effect after the thirtieth day of June, one thousand nine hundredninety-seven.
(1) The insurer provides written notice to each individual provided this type of coverage at least ninety days prior to the date of the discontinuation of coverage;
(2) The insurer offers to each individual in the individual market provided this type of coverage the option to purchase any other type of individual accident and sickness insurance policy currently offered by that insurer; and
(3) The insurer acts uniformly without regard to any health status-related factor of enrolled individuals or individuals who may become eligible for coverage.
(b) An insurer may discontinue offering all individual accident and sickness insurance coverage in the individual market offered in this state only if:
(1) The insurer provides written notice to the insurance commissioner and to each insured of the discontinuation at least one hundred eighty days prior to the expiration of coverage; and
(2) All accident and sickness insurance policies issued or delivered for issuance in this state in the individual market are discontinued and coverage under the policies in the individualmarket is not renewed.
(c) In the case of discontinuation under subsection (b) of this section, the insurer may not provide for the issuance of any accident and sickness insurance coverage in the individual market and state during the five-year period beginning on the date of the discontinuation of the last accident and sickness insurance coverage not so renewed.
(d) At the time of renewal, an insurer may modify coverage under an accident and sickness policy only if the modification is consistent with the provisions of this article and article twenty-eight of this chapter and is effective on a uniform basis among all individuals with that policy form. For individuals who are eligible for medicare at the time of renewal, the insurer may modify coverage to reduce benefits by an amount no more than that paid by medicare.
(e) This section applies to individual accident and sickness insurance coverage offered, sold, issued, renewed or in effect after the thirtieth day of June, one thousand nine hundred ninety-seven.
(1) Coverage only for accident, or disability income insurance or any combination thereof;
(2) Coverage issued as a supplement to liability insurance;
(3) Liability insurance, including general liability insurance and automobile liability insurance;
(4) Workers' Compensation or similar insurance;
(5) Automobile medical payment insurance;
(6) Credit-only insurance;
(7) Coverage for on-site medical clinics; and
(8) Other similar insurance coverage, which may be specified by rule, under which benefits for medical care are secondary or incidental to other insurance benefits.
(b) The requirements of sections two-b, two-d, two-e and two-f of this article and the provisions of this article which generally require policies of accident and sickness insurance to cover specific conditions or treatments, but which are not expressly made applicable to the following types of policies, do not apply to the following if provided under a separate policy, certificate, or contract of insurance:
(1) Limited scope dental or vision benefits;
(2) Benefits for long-term care, nursing home care, home health care, community-based care, or any combination thereof;
(3) Coverage for only a specified disease or illness;
(4) Hospital indemnity or other fixed indemnity insurance;
(5) Medicare supplement insurance (as defined under section 1882(g)(1) of the Social Security Act), coverage supplemental to the coverage provided under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, and similar supplemental coverage provided to coverage under group accident and sickness insurance; and
(6) Any other benefits as may be specified by rule.
(a) A provision as follows:
"Entire Contract; Changes: This policy, including the endorsements and the attached papers, if any, constitutes the entire contract of insurance. No change in this policy shall be valid until approved by an executive officer of the insurer and unless such approval be endorsed hereon or attached hereto. No agent has authority to change this policy or to waive any of its provisions."
(b) A provision as follows:
"Time Limit on Certain Defenses: (1) After two years from the date of issue of this policy no misstatements, except fraudulent misstatements, made by the applicant in the application for such policy shall be used to void the policy or to deny a claim for loss incurred or disability (as defined in the policy) commencing after the expiration of such two-year period."
The foregoing policy provision shall not be so construed as to affect any legal requirement for avoidance of a policy or denial of a claim during such initial two-year period, nor to limit the application of subdivisions (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) of section five of this article in the event of misstatement with respect to age or occupation or other insurance. A policy which the insured has the right to continue in force subject to its terms by the timely payment of premium (i) until at least age fifty, or (ii) in the case of a policy issued after age forty-four, for at least five years from its date of issue, may contain in lieu of the foregoing the following provision (from which the clause in parentheses may be omitted at the insurer's option) under the caption "Incontestable":
"After this policy has been in force for a period of two years during the lifetime of the insured (excluding any period during which the insured is disabled), it shall become incontestable as to the statements contained in the application.
(2) No claim for loss incurred or disability (as defined in the policy) commencing after two years from the date of issue of this policy shall be reduced or denied on the ground that a disease or physical condition not excluded from coverage by name or specific description effective on the date of loss had existed prior to the effective date of coverage of this policy."
(c) A provision as follows:
"Grace Period: A grace period of __________________ (insert a number not less than '7' for weekly premium policies, '10' for monthly premium policies and '31' for all other policies) days will be granted for the payment of each premium falling due after the first premium, during which grace period the policy shall continue in force."
(d) A provision as follows:
"Reinstatement: If any renewal premium be not paid within the time granted the insured for payment, as subsequent acceptance of premium by the insurer or by any agent duly authorized by the insurer to accept such premium, without requiring in connection therewith an application for reinstatement, shall reinstate the policy: Provided, That if the insurer or such agent requires an application for reinstatement and issues a conditional receipt for the premium tendered, the policy will be reinstated upon approval of such application by the insurer, or lacking such approval, upon the forty-fifth day following the date of such conditional receiptunless the insurer has previously notified the insured in writing of its disapproval of such application. The reinstated policy shall cover only loss resulting from such accidental injury as may be sustained after the date of reinstatement and loss due to such sickness as may begin more than ten days after such date. In all other respects the insured and insurer shall have the same rights thereunder as they had under the policy immediately before the due date of the defaulted premium, subject to any provisions endorsed hereon or attached hereto in connection with the reinstatement."
(e) A provision as follows:
"Notice of Claim: Written notice of claim must be given to the insurer within twenty days after the occurrence or commencement of any loss covered by the policy, or as soon thereafter as is reasonably possible. Notice given by or on behalf of the insured or the beneficiary to the insurer at ____________________ (insert the location of such office as the insurer may designate for the purpose), or to any authorized agent of the insurer, with information sufficient to identify the insured, shall be deemed notice to the insurer."
In a policy providing a loss-of-time benefit which may be payable for at least two years, an insurer may at its option insert the following between the first and second sentences of the above provision:
"Subject to the qualifications set forth below, if the insured suffers loss of time on account of disability for which indemnity may be payable for at least two years, he shall, at least once in every six months after having given notice of claim give to the insurer notice of continuance of said disability, except in the event of legal incapacity. The period of six months following any filing of proof by the insured or any payment by the insurer on account of such claim or any denial of liability, in whole or in part, by the insurer shall be excluded in applying this provision. Delay in the giving of such notice shall not impair the insured's right to any indemnity which would otherwise have accrued during the period of six months preceding the date on which such notice is actually given."
(f) A provision as follows:
"Claim Forms: The insurer, upon receipt of a notice of claim, will furnish to the claimant such forms as are usually furnished by it for filing proofs of loss. If such forms are not furnished within fifteen days after the giving of such notice the claimant shall be deemed to have complied with the requirements of this policy as to proof of loss upon submitting, within the time fixed in the policy for filing proofs of loss, written proof covering the occurrence, the character and the extent of the loss for which claim is made."
(g) A provision as follows:
"Proof of Loss: Written proof of loss must be furnished to the insurer at its said office in case of claim for loss for which this policy provides any periodic payment contingent upon continuing loss within ninety days after the termination of the period for which the insurer is liable and in case of claim for any other loss within ninety days after the date of such loss. Failure to furnish such proof within the time required shall not invalidate nor reduce any claim if it was not reasonably possible to give proof within such time, provided such proof is furnished as soon as reasonably possible and in no event, except in the absence of legal capacity, later than one year from the time proof is otherwise required."
(h) A provision as follows:
"Time of Payment of Claims: Indemnities payable under this policy for any loss other than loss for which this policy provides any periodic payment will be paid immediately upon receipt of due written proof of such loss. Subject to due written proof of loss, all accrued indemnities for loss for which this policy provides periodic payment will be paid _____________ (insert period for payment which must not be less frequently than monthly) and any balance remaining unpaid upon the termination of liability will be paid immediately upon receipt of due written proof."
(i) A provision as follows: "Payment of Claims: Indemnityfor loss of life will be payable in accordance with the beneficiary designation and the provisions respecting such payment which may be prescribed herein and effective at the time of payment. If no such designation or provision is then effective, such indemnity shall be payable to the estate of the insured. Any other accrued indemnities unpaid at the insured's death may, at the option of the insurer, be paid either to such beneficiary or to such estate. All other indemnities will be payable to the insured."
The following provisions, or either of them, may be included with the foregoing provisions at the option of the insurer:
"If any indemnity of this policy shall be payable to the estate of the insured, or to an insured or beneficiary who is a minor or otherwise not competent to give a valid release, the insurer may pay such indemnity, up to an amount not exceeding $_________ (insert an amount which shall not exceed one thousand dollars), to any relative by blood or connection by marriage of the insured or beneficiary who is deemed by the insurer to be equitably entitled thereto. Any payment made by the insurer in good faith pursuant to this provision shall fully discharge the insurer to the extent of such payment."
"Subject to any written direction of the insured in the application or otherwise all or a portion of any indemnities provided by this policy on account of hospital nursing, medical, or surgical services may, at the insurer's option and unless the insured requests otherwise in writing not later than the time of filing proofs of such loss, be paid directly to the hospital or person rendering such services; but it is not required that the service be rendered by a particular hospital or person."
(j) A provision as follows:
"Physical Examinations and Autopsy: The insurer at its own expense shall have the right and opportunity to examine the person of the insured when and as often as it may reasonably require during the pendency of a claim hereunder and to make an autopsy in case of death where it is not forbidden by law."
(k) A provision as follows:
"Legal Actions: No action at law or in equity shall be brought to recover on this policy prior to the expiration of sixty days after written proof of loss has been furnished in accordance with the requirements of this policy. No such action shall be brought after the expiration of three years after the time written proof of loss is required to be furnished."
(l) A provision as follows:
"Change of Beneficiary: Unless the insured makes an irrevocable designation of beneficiary, the right to change of beneficiary is reserved to the insured and the consent of the beneficiary or beneficiaries shall not be requisite to surrender or assignment of this policy or to any change of beneficiary or beneficiaries, or to any other changes in this policy."
The first clause of this provision, relating to the irrevocable designation of beneficiary, may be omitted at the insurer's option.
Any policy of insurance described in this article which provides hospital expense and surgical expense insurance and which is issued or subsequently renewed by agreement between the insurer and the policyholder, within this state, or any policy of accident and sickness insurance which provides hospital expense and surgical expense insurance and which is delivered or issued for delivery or subsequently renewed by agreement between the insurer and the policyholder in this state, shall provide, unless specifically refused by the policyholder, benefits for expense of residents of the state covered under any such policy or plan, arising from mental or nervous conditions as described in the standard nomenclature of the American psychiatric association which are at least equal to the following minimum requirements:
(a) In the case of benefits based upon confinement as an inpatient in a mental hospital under the direction and supervision of the department of mental health, or in a private hospital or private mental hospital licensed by the department of mental health or any other duly authorized state agency, the period of confinement for which benefits shall be payable shall be at least forty-five consecutive days in any calendar year.
(b) In the case of benefits based upon confinement as an inpatient in a licensed or accredited general hospital, such benefits shall be no different than for any other illness.
(c) In the case of outpatient benefits, these shall cover fifty percent of eligible expenses up to five hundred dollars over a twelve-month period, services furnished (1) by a comprehensive health service organization, (2) by a licensed or accredited hospital, or (3) subject to the approval of the department of mental health, services furnished by a community mental health center or other mental health clinic or day care center which furnishes mental health services, or (4) consultations or diagnostic or treatment sessions, provided that such services are rendered by a psychotherapist or by a psychologist and do not exceed fifty such sessions over a twelve-month period. For purposes of this article "psychotherapist" means any person employed by the mental health center to provide direct services to clients, such person to serve under the authority and direction of a licensed psychologist, physician, psychiatrist or director of a duly licensed mental health facility.
(a) Any insurer who, on or after the first day of January one thousand nine hundred eighty-four, delivers or issues a policy of accident and sickness insurance in this state under the provisions of this article shall make available as benefits to all subscribers and members coverage for primary health care nursing services as hereinafter set forth if such services are currently being reimbursed when rendered by any other duly licensed health care practitioner. No insurer may be required to pay for duplicative health care services actually provided by both a registered professional nurse or licensed midwife and other health providers.
(b) For purposes of this section, section three-e, article sixteen and section seven-a, article twenty-four of this chapter, "primary health care nursing services" includes nursing care rendered by a nonsalaried duly licensed registered professional nurse engaged in private nursing practice or partnership with other health care providers within the lawful scope of practice as defined in section one, article seven, chapter thirty of this code, and care rendered by a licensed nurse-midwife or midwife as the occupation is defined in section one, article fifteen, chapter thirty of this code, and which care is within the scope of duties for such licensed nurse-midwife or midwife as permitted by the provisions of section seven, article fifteen of said chapter thirty.
(c) Nothing in this section may be construed to permit any registered professional nurse licensee or midwife licensee to perform professional services beyond such individual's areas of professional competence as established by education, training and experience.
(1) Mammograms when medically appropriate and consistent with the current guidelines from the United States Preventive Services Task Force.
(2) A pap smear, either conventional or liquid-based cytology, whichever is medically appropriate and consistent with the current guidelines from either the United States Preventive Services Task Force or The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for women age eighteen or over; or
(3) A test for the human papilloma virus (HPV), for women age eighteen or over when medically appropriate and consistent with the current guidelines from either the United States Preventive Services Task Force or The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for women age eighteen and over.
(b) A policy, provision, contract, plan or agreement may apply to mammograms, pap smears or human papilloma virus (HPV) test the same deductibles, coinsurance and other limitations as apply to other covered services.
(a) Notwithstanding any provision of any policy, provision, contract, plan or agreement to which this article applies, any entity regulated by this article shall, on or after the first day of July, one thousand nine hundred ninety-one, provide as benefits to all subscribers and members coverage for rehabilitation services as hereinafter set forth, unless rejected by the insured.
(b) For purposes of this article and section, "rehabilitation services" includes those services which are designed to remediate patient's condition or restore patients to their optimal physical, medical, psychological, social, emotional, vocational and economic status. Rehabilitative services include by illustration and not limitation diagnostic testing, assessment, monitoring or treatment of the following conditions individually or in a combination:
(1) Stroke;
(2) Spinal cord injury;
(3) Congenital deformity;
(4) Amputation;
(5) Major multiple trauma;
(6) Fracture of femur;
(7) Brain injury;
(8) Polyarthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis;
(9) Neurological disorders, including, but not limited to, multiple sclerosis, motor neuron diseases, polyneuropathy, muscular dystrophy and Parkinson's disease;
(10) Cardiac disorders, including, but not limited to, acute myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary arterial insufficiency, angioplasty, heart transplantation, chronic arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, valvular heart disease;
(11) Burns.
(c) Rehabilitation services includes care rendered by any of the following:
(1) A hospital duly licensed by the state of West Virginia that meets the requirements for rehabilitation hospitals as described in Section 2803.2 of the Medicare Provider Reimbursement Manual, Part 1, as published by the U.S. Health Care Financing Administration;
(2) A distinct part rehabilitation unit in a hospital duly licensed by the state of West Virginia. The distinct part unit must meet the requirements of Section 2803.61 of the Medicare Provider Reimbursement Manual, Part 1, as published by the U.S. Health Care Financing Administration;
(3) A hospital duly licensed by the state of West Virginia which meets the requirements for cardiac rehabilitation as described in Section 35-25, Transmittal 41, dated August, 1989, as promulgated by the U.S. Health Care Financing Administration.
(d) Rehabilitation services do not include services for mental health, chemical dependency, vocational rehabilitation, long-term maintenance or custodial services.
(e) A policy, provision, contract, plan or agreement may apply to rehabilitation services the same deductibles, coinsurance and other limitations as apply to other covered services.
(b) Coverage for maternity and pediatric care shall be provided in accordance with guidelines established by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Pediatrics, or other established professional medical associations.
(c) Benefits provided under this section may be subject to deductibles, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing in relation to benefits for hospital stays in connection with childbirth for a mother or newborn child if the coinsurance or other cost-sharing for any portion of the hospital stay required under subsection (a) of this section is no greater than the coinsurance or cost-sharingfor any preceding portion of the stay.
(d) Nothing in this section may be construed to prevent an insurer from negotiating the level and type of reimbursement with a provider for the care provided a mother or newborn child in connection with childbirth.
(e) This section shall not apply with respect to any accident and sickness insurance coverage which does not provide benefits for hospital lengths of stay in connection with childbirth for a mother or her newborn child.
(f) This section shall apply to accident and sickness insurance coverage offered, sold, issued, renewed, or in effect in the individual market on or after the first day of January, one thousand nine hundred ninety-eight.
(b) A symptomatic person is defined as: (i) An individual who experiences a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding or stomach cramps that are persistent; or (ii) an individual who poses a higher than average risk for colorectal cancer because he or she has had colorectal cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or an immediate family history of such conditions.
(c) The same deductibles, coinsurance, network restrictions and other limitations for covered services found in the policy, provision, contract, plan or agreement of the covered person may apply to colorectal cancer examinations and laboratory testing.
(1) All stages of reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy has been performed;
(2) Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance; and
(3) Prostheses and physical complications of mastectomy, including lymphedemas in a manner determined in consultation with the attending physician and the patient. Coverage shall be provided for a minimum stay in the hospital of not less than forty-eight hours for a patient following a radical or modified mastectomy and not less than twenty-four hours of inpatient care following a total mastectomy or partial mastectomy with lymph node dissection for the treatment of breast cancer. Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring inpatient coverage where inpatient coverage is not medically necessary or where the attending physician in consultation with the patient determines that a shorter period of hospital stay is appropriate. Such coverage may be subject to annual deductibles and coinsurance provisions as may be deemed appropriate and as are consistent with those established for other benefits under the health benefit plan policy or coverage. Written notice of the availability of such coverage shall be delivered to the participant upon enrollment and annually thereafter.
(b) A health benefit plan policy, and a health insurer providing health insurance coverage in connection with a health benefit plan policy, shall provide notice to each participant and beneficiary under such plan regarding the coverage required by this section. Such notice shall be in writing and prominently positioned in any literature or correspondence made available or distributed by the issuer of the health benefit plan policy.
(c) A health benefit plan policy and a health insurer offering health insurance coverage in connection with a health benefit plan policy, may not:
(1) Deny to a patient eligibility, or continued eligibility, to enroll or to renew coverage under the terms of the plan, solely for the purpose of avoiding the requirements of this section; and
(2) Penalize or otherwise reduce or limit the reimbursement of an attending provider, or provide incentives (monetary or otherwise) to an attending provider, to induce such provider to provide care to an individual participant or beneficiary in a manner inconsistent with this section.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent a health benefit plan policy or a health insurer offering health insurance coverage from negotiating the level and type of reimbursement with a provider for care provided in accordance with this section.
(e) The provisions of this section shall be included under any policy, contract or plan delivered after the first day of July, two thousand two.
The provisions relating to clinical trials established in article twenty-five-f of this chapter shall apply to the individual market regulated by this article.
(b) The same deductibles, coinsurance, network restrictions and other limitations for covered services found in the policy, provision, contract, plan or agreement of the covered person may apply to kidney disease screening and laboratory testing.
(b) For purposes of this article and section, "dental anesthesia services" means general anesthesia for dental procedures and associated outpatient hospital or ambulatory facility charges provided by appropriately licensed health care individuals in conjunction with dental care provided to an enrollee or insured if the enrollee or insured is:
(A) Seven years of age or younger or is developmentally disabled and is an individual for whom a successful result cannot be expected from dental care provided under local anesthesia because of a physical, intellectual or other medically compromising condition of the enrollee or insured and for whom a superior result can be expected from dental care provided under general anesthesia; or
(B) A child who is twelve years of age or younger with documented phobias, or with documented mental illness, and with dental needs of such magnitude that treatment should not be delayed or deferred and for whom lack of treatment can be expected to result in infection, loss of teeth or other increased oral or dental morbidity and for whom a successful result cannot be expected from dental care provided under local anesthesia because of such condition and for whom a superior result can be expected from dental care provided under general anesthesia.
(c) Prior authorization. -- An entity subject to this section may require prior authorization for general anesthesia and associated outpatient hospital or ambulatory facility charges for dental care in the same manner that prior authorization is required for these benefits in connection with other covered medical care.
(d) An entity subject to this section may restrict coverage for general anesthesia and associated outpatient hospital or ambulatory facility charges unless the dental care is provided by:
(1) A fully accredited specialist in pediatric dentistry; (2) A fully accredited specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery; and
(3) A dentist to whom hospital privileges have been granted.
(e) Dental care coverage not required. -- The provisions of this section may not be construed to require coverage for the dental care for which the general anesthesia is provided.
(f) Temporal mandibular joint disorders. -- The provisions of this section do not apply to dental care rendered for temporal mandibular joint disorders.
(g) A policy, provision, contract, plan or agreement may apply to dental anesthesia services the same deductibles, coinsurance and other limitations as apply to other covered services.
Notwithstanding any provision of any policy, provision, contract, plan or agreement applicable to this article, any health insurance policy subject to this article, issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2014, which provides health insurance coverage for maternity services, shall provide coverage for maternity services for all persons participating in or receiving coverage under the policy. To the extent that the provisions of this section require benefits that exceed the essential health benefits specified under section 1302(b) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Pub. L. No. 111-148, as amended, the specific benefits that exceed the specified essential health benefits are not required of a health benefit plan when the plan is offered by a health care insurer in this state. Coverage required under this section may not be subject to exclusions or limitations which are not applied to other maternity coverage under the policy.
preceded individually by the appropriate caption appearing in this section or, at the option of the insurer, by such appropriate individual or group captions or subcaptions as the commissioner may approve.
(a) A provision as follows:
"Change of Occupation: If the insured be injured or contract sickness after having changed his occupation to one classified by the insurer as more hazardous than that stated in this policy or while doing for compensation anything pertaining to an occupation so classified, the insurer will pay only such portion of the indemnities provided in this policy as the premium paid would have purchased at the rates and within the limits fixed by the insurer for such more hazardous occupation. If the insured changes his occupation to one classified by the insurer as less hazardous than that stated in this policy, the insurer, upon receipt of proof of such change of occupation, will reduce the premium rate accordingly, and will return the excess pro rata unearned premium from the date of change of occupation or from the policy anniversary date immediately preceding receipt of such proof, whichever is the more recent. In applying this provision, the classification of occupational risk and the premium rates shall be such as have been last filed by the insurer prior to the occurrence of the loss for which the insurer is liable or prior to date of proof of change in occupation with the state official having supervision of insurance in the state where the insured resided at the time this policy was issued; but if such filing was not required, then the classification of occupational risk and the premium rates shall be those last made effective by the insurer in such state prior to the occurrence of the loss or prior to the date of proof of change in occupation."
(b) A provision as follows:
"Misstatement of Age: If the age of the insured has been misstated, all amounts payable under this policy shall be such as the premium paid would have purchased at the correct age."
(c) A provision as follows:
"Other Insurance in This Insurer: If an accident or sickness or accident and sickness policy or policies previously issued by the insurer to the insured be in force concurrently herewith, making the aggregate indemnity for ____________ (insert type of coverage or coverages) in excess of $____________ (insert maximum limit of indemnity or indemnities) the excess insurance shall be void and all premiums paid for such excess shall be returned to the insured or to his estate."
Or, in lieu thereof:
"Insurance effective at any one time on the insured under a like policy or policies in this insurer is limited to the one such policy elected by the insured, his beneficiary or his estate, as the case may be, and the insurer will return all premiums paid for all other such policies."
Provided that no policy hereafter issued for delivery in this state which provides, with or without other benefits, for the payment of benefits or reimbursement for expenses with respect to hospitalization, nursing care, medical or surgical examination or treatment, or ambulance transportation shall contain any provision for a reduction of such benefits or reimbursement, or any provision for avoidance of the policy, on account of other insurance of such nature carried by the same insured with the same or another insurer.
(d) A provision as follows:
"Insurance with Other Insurers: If there be other valid coverage, not with this insurer, providing benefits for the same loss on other than an expense incurred basis and of which this insurer has not been given written notice prior to the occurrence or commencement of loss, the only liability for such benefits under this policy shall be for such proportion of the indemnities otherwise provided hereunder for such loss as the like indemnities of which the insurer had notice (including the indemnities under this policy) bear to the total amount of all like indemnities for such loss, and for the return of such portion of the premium paid as shall exceed the pro rata portion for the indemnities thus determined."
The insurer may, at its option, include in this provision a definition of "other valid coverage," approved as to form by the commissioner, which definitions shall be limited in subject matter to coverage provided by organizations subject to regulations by insurance law or by insurance authorities of this or any other state of the United States or any province of Canada, and to any other coverage the inclusion of which may be approved by the commissioner. In the absence of such definition such term shall not include group insurance, or benefits provided by union welfare plans or by employer or employee benefit organizations. For the purpose of applying the foregoing policy provisions with respect to any insured any amount of benefit provided for such insured pursuant to any compulsory benefit statute (including any workers' compensation or employer's liability statute) whether provided by a governmental agency or otherwise shall in all cases be deemed to be "other valid coverage" of which the insurer has had notice. In applying the foregoing policy provision no third party liability coverage shall be included as "other valid coverage."
(e) A provision as follows:
"Relation of Earnings to Insurance: If the total monthly amount of loss of time benefits promised for the same loss under all valid loss of time coverage upon the insured, whether payable on a weekly or monthly basis, shall exceed the monthly earnings of the insured at the time disability commenced or his average monthly earnings for the period of two years immediately preceding a disability for which claim is made, whichever is the greater, the insurer will be liable only for such proportionate amount of such benefits under this policy as the amount of such monthly earnings or such average monthly earnings of the insured bears to the total amount of monthly benefits for the same loss under all such coverage upon the insured at the time such disability commences and for the return of such part of the premiums paid during such two years as shall exceed the pro rata amount of the premiums for the benefits actually paid hereunder; but this shall not operate to reduce the total monthly amount of benefits payable under all such coverage upon the insured below the sum of two hundred dollars or the sum of the monthly benefits specified in such coverages, whichever is the lesser, nor shall it operate to reduce benefits other than those payable for loss of time."
The insurer may, at its option, include in this provision a definition of "valid loss of time coverage," approved as to form by the commissioner, which definition shall be limited in subject matter to coverage provided by governmental agencies or by organizations subject to regulation by insurance law or by insurance authorities of this or any other state of the United States or any province of Canada, or to any other coverage the inclusion of which may be approved by the commissioner or any combination of such coverages. In the absence of such definition such term shall not include any coverage provided for such insured pursuant to any compulsory benefit statute (including any workers' compensation or employer's liability statute), or benefits provided by union welfare plans or by employer or employee benefit organizations.
(f) A provision as follows:
"Unpaid Premium: Upon the payment of a claim under thispolicy, any premiums then due and unpaid or covered by any note or written order may be deducted therefrom."
(g) A provision as follows:
"Return of Premium on Cancellation: If the insured cancels this policy, the earned premium shall be computed by the use of the short-rate table last filed with the state official having supervision of insurance in the state where the insured resided when the policy was issued. Cancellation shall be without prejudice to any claim originating prior to the effective date of cancellation."
(h) A provision as follows:
"Conformity with State Statutes: Any provision of this policy which, on its effective date, is in conflict with the statutes of the state in which the insured resides on such date is hereby amended to conform to the minimum requirements of such statutes."
(i) A provision as follows:
"Illegal Occupation: The insurer shall not be liable for any loss to which a contributing cause was the insured's commission of or attempt to commit a felony or to which a contributing cause was the insured's being engaged in an illegal occupation."
(j) A provision as follows:
"Intoxicants and Narcotics: The insurer shall not be liable for any loss sustained or contracted in consequence of the insured's being intoxicated or under the influence of any narcotic unless administered on the advice of a physician."
(b) Any policy of a domestic insurer may, when issued for delivery in any other state or country, contain any provision permitted or required by the laws of such other state or country.
(a) Five or more employees of any corporation, copartnership or individual employer or any governmental corporation, agency or department thereof, or
(b) Five or more members of any trade or professional association or of a labor union or of any other association having had an active existence for at least two years where such association or union has a constitution or bylaws and is formed in good faith for purposes other than that of obtaining insurance; where such persons, with or without their dependents, are issued the same form of an individual policy varying only as to amounts and kinds of coverage applied for by such persons, under an arrangement whereby the premiums on such policies may be paid to the insurer periodically by the employer, with or without payroll deductions, or by the association or union for its members, or by some designated person acting on behalf of such employer or association or union. The term "employees" as used in this section shall be deemed to include the officers, managers, employees and retired employees of the employer and the individual proprietor or partners if the employer is an individual proprietor or partnership.
No insurer may cancel or nonrenew the accident and sickness insurance policy of any insured because of diagnosis or treatment of acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, when any health insurance policy, health care services plan or other contract provides for the payment of medical expenses, benefits or procedures, such policy, plan or contract shall be construed to include payment to all health care providers including medical physicians, osteopathic physicians, podiatric physicians, chiropractic physicians, midwives and nurse practitioners who provide medical services, benefits or procedures which are within the scope of each respective provider's license. Any limitation or condition placed upon services, diagnoses or treatment by, or payment to any particular type of licensed provider shall apply equally to all types of licensed providers without unfair discrimination as to the usual and customary treatment procedures of any of the aforesaid providers.
Acts, 1997 Reg. Sess., Ch. 109.
(a) An insurer issuing accident and sickness policies in this state shall provide coverage for the child or children of the insured without regard to the amount of child support ordered to be paid or actually paid by the insured, if any, and without regard to the fact that the insured may not have legal custody of the child or children or that the child or children may not be residing in the home of the insured.
(b) An insurer issuing accident and sickness policies in this state shall provide benefits to dependent children placed with participants or beneficiaries for adoption under the same terms and conditions as apply to natural, dependent children of participants and beneficiaries, irrespective of whether the adoption has become final.
(c) An insurer shall not deny enrollment of a child under the health plan of the child's parent on the grounds that:
(1) The child was born out of wedlock;
(2) The child is not claimed as a dependent on the parent's federal tax return; or
(3) The child does not reside with the parent or in the insurer's service area.
(d) Where a child has health coverage through an insurer of a noncustodial parent the insurer shall:
(1) Provide such information to the custodial parent as may be necessary for the child to obtain benefits through that coverage;
(2) Permit the custodial parent, or the provider, with the custodial parent's approval, to submit claims for covered services without the approval of the noncustodial parent; and
(3) Make payments on claims submitted in accordance with subdivision (2) of this subsection directly to the custodial parent, the provider or the state medicaid agency: Provided, That upon payment to the custodial parent, the provider or the state medicaid agency, the insurer's obligation to the noncustodial parent under the policy with respect to the covered child's claims shall be fully satisfied.
(e) Where a parent is required by a court or administrative order to provide health coverage for a child, and the parent is eligible for family health coverage, the insurer shall:
(1) Permit the parent to enroll, under the family coverage, a child who is otherwise eligible for the coverage without regard to any enrollment season restrictions;
(2) If the parent is enrolled but fails to make application to obtain coverage for the child, enroll the child under family coverage upon application of the child's other parent, the state agency administering the medicaid program or the state agency administering 42 U.S.C. §651 through §669, the child support enforcement program; and
(3) Not disenroll or eliminate coverage of the child unless the insurer is provided satisfactory written evidence that:
(A) The court or administrative order is no longer in effect; or
(B) The child is or will be enrolled in comparable health coverage through another insurer which will take effect not later than the effective date of disenrollment.
All policies issued pursuant to this article shall cover the cost of child immunization services as described in section five, article three, chapter sixteen of this code, including the cost of the vaccine, if incurred by the health care provider, and all costs of vaccine administration. These services shall be exempt from any deductible, per-visit charge and/or copayment provisions which may be in force in these policies or contracts. This section does not require that other health care services provided at the time of immunization be exempt from any deductible and/or copayment provisions.
An insurer may not impose requirements on a state agency, which has been assigned the rights of an individual eligible for medical assistance under medicaid and covered for health benefits from the insurer, that are different from requirements applicable to an agent or assignee of any other individual so covered.
(b) Any insurer issuing accident and sickness policies in this state in accordance with the provisions of this article may offer a benefit plan including deductibles or copayments combined with individual self-insurance through the establishment of individual medical savings accounts. A benefit plan established pursuant to this subsection shall provide that medical expenses included within deductible or copayment provisions of the accident and sickness policy for the individual or for his or her covered dependents and therefore not payable under that policy be paid by the trustee, either directly or as reimbursement to an individual who has previously paid medical expenses, from the individual medical savings account. A benefit plan may limit payment of medical expenses until the group plan annual deductible is met from the individual medical savings account to expenses which are covered services under the policy.
(c) Within one hundred eighty days of the passage of this legislation, the tax commissioner may promulgate emergency rules as to the keeping of records, the content and form of returns and statements, and the filing of copies of income tax returns and determination by trustees of individual medical savings accounts and by individuals establishing individual medical savings accounts: Provided, That for purposes of sections fifteen, fifteen-a and fifteen-b, article three, chapter twenty-nine-a ofthis code, a sufficient emergency to justify the promulgation of those rules shall be deemed to exist. The power granted by this subsection shall be in addition to the rule-making powers granted to the tax commissioner elsewhere in this code.
(d) If any amount distributed out of an individual medical savings account is used for any purpose other than to defray medical expenses, except as specifically provided in subsection (a) of this section or except for a distribution of account assets pursuant to order of a federal bankruptcy court, the West Virginia personal income tax of the individual establishing the account, for the taxable year in which the distribution is made shall be increased by an amount equal to twenty percent of the distribution.
(a) Every insurer shall provide coverage for emergency medical services, including prehospital services, to the extent necessary to screen and to stabilize an emergency medical condition. The insurer shall not require prior authorization of the screening services if a prudent layperson acting reasonably would have believed that an emergency medical condition existed. Prior authorization of coverage shall not be required for stabilization if an emergency medical condition exists. Payment of claims for emergency services shall be based on the retrospective review of the presenting history and symptoms of the covered person.
(b) An insurer that has given prior authorization for emergency services shall cover the services and shall not retract the authorization after the services have been provided unless the authorization was based on a material misrepresentation about the covered person's health condition made by the referring provider, the provider of the emergency services or the covered person.
(c) Coverage of emergency services shall be subject to coinsurance, copayments and deductibles applicable under the health benefit plan.
(d) The emergency department and the insurer shall make a good faith effort to communicate with each other in a timely fashion to expedite postevaluation or poststabilization services in order to avoid material deterioration of the covered person's condition.
(e) As used in this section:
(1) "Emergency medical services" means those services required to screen for or treat an emergency medical condition until the condition is stabilized, including prehospital care;
(2) "Prudent layperson" means a person who is without medical training and who draws on his or her practical experience when making a decision regarding whether an emergency medical condition exists for which emergency treatment should be sought;
(3) "Emergency medical condition for the prudent layperson" means one that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity, including severe pain, such that the person could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to the individual's health, or, with respect to a pregnant woman, the health of the unborn child; serious impairment to bodily functions; or serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part;
(4) "Stabilize" means with respect to an emergency medical condition, to provide medical treatment of the condition necessary to assure, with reasonable medical probability that no medical deterioration of the condition is likely to result from or occur during the transfer of the individual from a facility: Provided, That this provision may not be construed to prohibit, limit or otherwise delay the transportation required for a higher level of care than that possible at the treating facility;
(5) "Medical screening examination" means an appropriate examination within the capability of the hospital's emergency department, including ancillary services routinely available to the emergency department, to determine whether or not an emergency medical condition exists; and
(6) "Emergency medical condition" means a condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity including severe pain such that the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably be expected to result in serious jeopardy to the individual's health or with respect to a pregnant woman the health of the unborn child, serious impairment to bodily functions or serious dysfunction of any bodily part or organ.
Note: WV Code updated with legislation passed through the 2015 Regular Session
The WV Code Online is an unofficial copy of the annotated WV Code, provided as a convenience. It has NOT been edited for publication, and is not in any way official or authoritative.


text:
Hold down Control (PC) or Command (Mac) key + mouseclick to select more than one option
|Avg. Dinner Entrée
|Greater than $25
|$18.01 - $25
|$12.01 - $18
|$7.01 - $12
|Less than $7
Posted by Darcy on 12/07/2006
I was enthusiastic upon entering this restaurant and totally "underwhelmed" when leaving. The decor is acceptable, the establishment is spotlessly clean. But the service is slow and, alas, the food is relentlessly bland, extremely overcooked and very dry. If large quantities of cheap and flavorless filler is your goal, this is the place. Otherwise, keep walking.
Posted by diana and brian on 12/01/2006
Although the atmosphere at this small restauraunt leaves much to be desired, this is the closest I've found on the upper east side to baha Mexican food without spending a fortune. I think the guacamole is actually prepared with fresh avocadoes, and the tomotillo (salsa) sauce is amazing. It's all about fresh ingredients and affordable prices at this place.
Posted by Anonymous on 11/19/2006
With all of the great reviews posted, I was expecting to find a hidden treasure in the UES. This was far from what I actually experienced. The food was not expensive, but it was still difficult to say I got my money's worth. The nachos which recieved such stellar reviews were just okay. They can best be described as decent chips smothered with a cheese one step above cheez wiz. I then ordered a combo of enchiladas. Also decent, but hardly worth raving about. The service was also very slow and I was constantly searching for someone to refill a drink. Overall, the entire experience was not terrible, but certainly not a place to which I would return.
Posted by Buddy Lee on 10/17/2006
The best nachos I ever had. They use marinated chicken breast with caramelized onions and flavorful cheddar cheese on top of freshly deep fried torrtillas. I order it at least once a week!
Posted by Secret Eater on 09/02/2006
The food here is great, the tacos locos are excellent and the appetizers are wonderful. As a mexican transplant from San Diego I was pleased to find a place to eat real Mexican food. I go to this place every once in awhile and it never disappoints.
Posted by TacoXpert on 08/19/2006
I phoned a takeout order on a Saturday night at 8:15. Among the things I ordered, I was told that they had run out of seasoned potato wedges. Hmmm, that means this must be a popular place if they're already sold out of something so early. Upon arriving 15 minutes later, my heart sank when I saw one friendless-looking diner in the whole restaurant while nextdoor both a Peruvian chicken and an empanada place were overflowing. Tempted to just walk on by, I went in anyway and paid for the food. At home, my girlfriend and I started eating. The pork taco locos had no discernible flavor even when doused with lime juice. Only when we smothered them in some chutney-like condiment did they taste like anything. The chorizo tacos had raw onion in it, so it at least tasted like that until some slow-acting hot sauce gradually made its presence felt, and didn't stop until it was searing our taste buds to burnt-out cinders. Just ridiculous. And I like hot food. But there has to be more than pure heat.
Posted by 1st Ave Neighbor on 03/24/2006
Really great food - I go there a few times a month. The staff is very friendly - and tends to remember you, even if you've only been there once before. They give you a great meal, for a good price in a cozy atmosphere. I highly recommend this place!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
PARIS (AP) — Police say Kate Barry, the daughter of actress Jane Birkin and James Bond composer John Barry, has died in Paris.
They said Thursday the 46-year-old, best known as a fashion photographer and who was raised for years by the late French singer Serge Gainsbourg during his relationship with Birkin, was found Wednesday. Police gave no details, saying an investigation is underway into the cause of death.


text:
- Published: New York : Matthew Marks Gallery, 1993.
- Year Published: 1993
- Description: 1 v. (unpaged) : ill. (some col.) ; 23 cm.
- Language: English
- Format: Book
ISBN/Standard Number
- 1880146096 :
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Lucian Freud, recent drawings and etchings : including an interview with the artist
by Freud, Lucian.
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Where To Find It
Call number: 741.942 Fr
Available Copies: Downtown 2nd Floor
Additional Details
Catalog of an exhibition held at Matthew Marks Gallery, New York from Dec. 11, 1993-Jan. 29, 1994.
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text: Cowlitz County 4H is hosting an open house this evening, where you can find out about being involved with teaching local kids how to sew. Cowlitz County 4H is recruiting Sewing and Textile Volunteers, looking for people who can share their sewing skills with area youth. There's no cost to take part, with a time commitment of only a couple of hours per week. You do need to be at least 18 years of age, and you'll have to go through the Cowlitz County WSU 4H screening process. This evening's Sewing and Textile Volunteer Open House will run from 7 to 8:15 this evening at the Canterbury Gardens on 3rd Avenue in Longview. If you need more information, call Carol Huggins at 425-7994, or Sam Brandt at 795-0899. You can also call WSU Extension at 577-3014, extension 4 for additional information.


text:
Winemaker's Journal — Vineyards on their summer growth spurt
Vineyards have bloomed and those blossoms are now turning to beady green grapes. Vines are growing prodigiously. It's been a pretty magnificent spring with few threats from early spring frost or heavy rains that can cause mildew problems. Word is going around that it could be another great crop for Washington vintners.
I gauge what's going on elsewhere by the what's happening the microcosm of my own tiny vineyard. I chopped back yards of gangly vine whips this weekend, stripped out leaves and pruned low branches in ongoing effort to get sun to the tiny grape bunches.
I also sprayed a concoction of water laced with fungicide, sulfur and a couple eggwhites with a sprinkling of cayenne to keep all bad things away from the vineyard. The fungicide (1 teaspoon in 3 gallons of water) is obviously meant to limit the growth of mold, which can ruin a crop once it takes hold. The sulfur (3 tablespoons) I alternate with mineral oil (1 tablespoon) as an organic insecticide.
The egg whites and cayenne is meant to keep larger predators away, and is purely experimental. After writing earlier about my problems with deer nibbling young shoots and buds, I received several suggestions on how to discourage the rascals. Bars of Dial or Irish Spring soap, Costco fabric softener dryer sheets, several fencing ideas, a dog and rifle.
The cheap and peaceful egg white idea was suggested by Don Julien, president of the Wenatchee Valley Enology Society and an avid rosarian, the kind that grows roses although he may be a good Catholic as well for all I know. Eggwhites, he said, were found to be effective in a spray — sometimes combined with cayenne or peppermint oil — at repelling deer from eating roses grown by members of a Seattle area rose cultivating group when he lived there. I say, anything is worth a try.
I have the dryer sheets stapled all over the vineyard trellis and that seems to have helped, whether due to the obnoxious fragrance or the waving white flags flapping the wind, I'm not sure. Maybe with all the new spring growth, I just don't notice the damage as much.
But the deer do not scare easily. I walked out to check the vineyard recently and came face-to-face with a young doe who looked at me as if to say "Who invited you to dinner?" I had to run at her yelling and swinging a pole to persuade her to leave. Now, if only I could train her to prune out the excessive vines and leave the young grapes alone, we could both be happy.
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text:
Police say a group of people had been together at the Side Pockets bar in the 600 block of South Tyler. As they left, a 28-year-old apparently jumped on to the back of a moving car. He fell off, hitting his head on the pavement.
He was taken to the hospital with what police are calling extremely critical injuries.
"We're waiting word from the hospital to see what his prognosis truly is," said Sergeant Jim Merrick. "Head injuries can be tricky, a fall on pavement can sometimes be fatal."
Police say it appears alcohol was a factor. The car involved left the scene. Investigators are looking for a late model Pontiac.


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Part of the problem with getting the farm bill to the House floor is that conservatives are programmed to dislike the vast majority of it right off the bat. That's because about 80 percent goes to funding nutrition programs for the poor.
That's why freshman Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., who sits on the Agriculture Committee, says if the bill reaches the House floor, he will offer an amendment to split it into two pieces of legislation. That way, he says, lawmakers can decide about the nutrition component independently of the commodity title.
"I think we could decrease the cost of both programs if they were split up," Stutzman said. "Together they become this huge spending bill. If we could focus on just farm policy we could get members to realize the importance of agriculture. Then we could deal with the nutrition title by itself rather than coupling the two together."
It's an idea that has resonance with some tea party-aligned House members. At a meeting with five conservative lawmakers, four of them, Reps. Justin Amash of Michigan, Raul Labrador of Idaho, Jeffrey Landry of Louisiana, and Jeff Duncan of South Carolina, said they would support the amendment. Conservatives see it as a way to zero in even more on the $80 billion food stamp program that about one in seven Americans tap.
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