organizations in such State in connection with such plan. 812. Definitions and rules of construction (a) Definitions For purposes of this part— (1) Group health plan The term group health plan has the meaning provided in section 733(a)(1) (after applying subsection (b) of this section). (2) Medical care The term medical care has the meaning provided in section 733(a)(2). (3) Health insurance coverage The term health insurance coverage has the meaning provided in section 733(b)(1). (4) Health insurance issuer The term health insurance issuer has the meaning provided in section 733(b)(2). (5) Applicable authority The term applicable authority means the Secretary, except that, in connection with any exercise of the Secretary’s authority regarding which the Secretary is required under section 506(d) to consult with a State, such term means the Secretary, in consultation with such State. (6) Health status-related factor The term health status-related factor has the meaning provided in section 733(d)(2). (7) Individual market (A) In general The term individual market means the market for health insurance coverage offered to individuals other than in connection with a group health plan. (B) Treatment of very small groups (i) In general Subject to clause (ii), such term includes coverage offered in connection with a group health plan that has fewer than 2 participants as current employees or participants described in section 732(d)(3) on the first day of the plan year. (ii) State exception Clause (i) shall not apply in the case of health insurance coverage offered in a State if such State regulates the coverage described in such clause in the same manner and to the same extent as coverage in the small group market (as defined in section 2791(e)(5) of the Public Health Service Act ) is regulated by such State. (8) Participating employer The term participating employer means, in connection with an association health plan, any employer, if any individual who is an employee of such employer, a partner in such employer, or a