Virginia Law

Article 3. Group Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies.

Repealed by Acts 1998, c. 154.

Except as provided in § 38.2-3522.1, no policy of group accident and sickness insurance shall be delivered in this Commonwealth unless it conforms to one of the following descriptions:

A. A policy issued to an employer, or to the trustees of a fund established by an employer, which employer or trustees shall be deemed the policyholder, to insure employees of the employer for the benefit of persons other than the employer, subject to the following requirements:

1. The employees eligible for insurance under the policy shall be all of the employees of the employer, or all of any class or classes thereof. The policy may provide that the term "employees" shall include the employees of one or more subsidiary corporations, and the employees, individual proprietors, and partners of one or more affiliated corporations, proprietorships or partnerships if the business of the employer and of such affiliated corporations, proprietorships or partnerships is under common control. The policy may provide that the term "employees" shall include retired employees, former employees and directors of a corporate employer. A policy issued to insure the employees of a public body may provide that the term "employees" shall include elected or appointed officials.

2. The premium for the policy shall be paid either from the employer's funds or from funds contributed by the insured employees, or from both. Except as provided in subdivision 3, a policy on which no part of the premium is to be derived from funds contributed by the insured employees must insure all eligible employees, except those who reject such coverage in writing.

3. An insurer may exclude or limit the coverage on any person as to whom evidence of individual insurability is not satisfactory to the insurer, except as otherwise prohibited in this title.

B. A policy that is:

1. Not subject to Chapter 37.1 (§ 38.2-3727 et seq.): and

2. Issued to a creditor or its parent holding company or to a trustee or trustees or agent designated by two or more creditors, which creditor, holding company, affiliate, trustee, trustees or agent shall be deemed the policyholder, to insure debtors of the creditor or creditors with respect to their indebtedness, subject to the following requirements:

a. The debtors eligible for insurance under the policy shall be all of the debtors of the creditor or creditors, or all of any class or classes thereof. The policy may provide that the term "debtors" shall include:

(1) Borrowers of money or purchasers or lessees of goods, services, or property for which payment is arranged through a credit transaction;

(2) The debtors of one or more subsidiary corporations; and

(3) The debtors of one or more affiliated corporations, proprietorships or partnerships if the business of the policyholder and of such affiliated corporations, proprietorships or partnerships is under common control.

b. The premium for the policy shall be paid either from the creditor's funds, or from charges collected from the insured debtors, or from both. Except as provided in subdivision 3, a policy on which no part of the premium is to be derived from funds contributed by insured debtors specifically for their insurance must insure all eligible debtors.

3. An insurer may exclude any debtors as to whom evidence of individual insurability is not satisfactory to the insurer.

4. The total amount of insurance payable with respect to an indebtedness shall not exceed the greater of the scheduled or actual amount of unpaid indebtedness to the creditor. The insurer may exclude any payments that are delinquent on the date the debtor becomes disabled as defined in the policy.

5. The insurance may be payable to the creditor or any successor to the right, title, and interest of the creditor. Such payment or payments shall reduce or extinguish the unpaid indebtedness of the debtor to the extent of each such payment and any excess of the insurance shall be payable to the insured or the estate of the insured.

6. Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this section, insurance on agricultural credit transaction commitments may be written up to the amount of the loan commitment. Insurance on educational credit transaction commitments may be written up to the amount of the loan commitment less the amount of any repayments made on the loan.

C. A policy issued to a labor union, or similar employee organization, which labor union or organization shall be deemed to be the policyholder, to insure members of such union or organization for the benefit of persons other than the union or organization or any of its officials, representatives, or agents, subject to the following requirements:

1. The members eligible for insurance under the policy shall be all of the members of the union or organization, or all of any class or classes thereof.

2. The premium for the policy shall be paid from either funds of the union or organization, or from funds contributed by the insured members specifically for their insurance, or from both. Except as provided in subdivision 3, a policy on which no part of the premium is to be derived from funds contributed by the insured members specifically for their insurance must insure all eligible members, except those who reject such coverage in writing.

3. An insurer may exclude or limit the coverage on any person as to whom evidence of individual insurability is not satisfactory to the insurer, except as otherwise prohibited in this title.

D. A policy issued (i) to or for a multiple employer welfare arrangement, a rural electric cooperative, or a rural electric telephone cooperative as these terms are defined in 29 U.S.C. § 1002, or (ii) to a trust, or to the trustees of a fund, established or adopted by or for two or more employers, or by one or more labor unions of similar employee organizations, or by one or more employers and one or more labor unions or similar employee organizations, which trust or trustees shall be deemed the policyholder, to insure employees of the employers or members of the unions or organizations for the benefit of persons other than the employers or the unions or organizations, subject to the following requirements:

1. The persons eligible for insurance shall be all of the employees of the employers or all of the members of the unions or organizations, or all of any class or classes thereof. The policy may provide that the term "employee" shall include the employees of one or more subsidiary corporations, and the employees, individual proprietors, and partners of one or more affiliated corporations, proprietorships or partnerships if the business of the employer and of such affiliated corporations, proprietorships or partnerships is under common control. The policy may provide that the term "employees" shall include retired employees, former employees and directors of a corporate employer. The policy may provide that the term "employees" shall include the trustees or their employees, or both, if their duties are principally connected with such trusteeship.

2. The premium for the policy shall be paid from funds contributed by the employer or employers of the insured persons, or by the union or unions or similar employee organizations, or by both, or from funds contributed by the insured persons or from both the insured persons and the employers or unions or similar employee organizations. Except as provided in subdivision 3, a policy on which no part of the premium is to be derived from funds contributed by the insured persons specifically for their insurance must insure all eligible persons, except those who reject such coverage in writing.

3. An insurer may exclude or limit the coverage on any person as to whom evidence of individual insurability is not satisfactory to the insurer, except as otherwise prohibited in this title.

E. A policy issued to an association or to a trust or to the trustees of a fund established, created, or maintained for the benefit of members of one or more associations which association or trust shall be deemed the policyholder.

1. The association or associations shall:

a. Have at the outset a minimum of 100 persons;

b. Have been organized and maintained in good faith for purposes other than that of obtaining insurance;

c. Have been in active existence for at least five years;

d. Have a constitution and bylaws which provide that (i) the association or associations hold regular meetings not less than annually to further purposes of the members, (ii) except for credit unions, the association or associations collect dues or solicit contributions from members, and (iii) the members have voting privileges and representation on the governing board and committees;

e. Does not condition membership in the association on any health status-related factor relating to an individual (including an employee of an employer or a dependent of an employee);

f. Makes health insurance coverage offered through the association available to all members regardless of any health status-related factor relating to such members (or individuals eligible for coverage through a member);

g. Does not make health insurance coverage offered through the association available other than in connection with a member of the association; and

h. Meets such additional requirements as may be imposed under the laws of this Commonwealth.

2. The policy shall be subject to the following requirements:

a. The policy may insure members of such association or associations, employees thereof or employees of members, or one or more of the preceding or all of any class or classes thereof for the benefit of persons other than the employee's employer.

b. The premium for the policy shall be paid from funds contributed by the association or associations, or by employer members, or by both, or from funds contributed by the covered persons or from both the covered persons and the association, associations, or employer members.

3. Except as provided in subdivision 4, a policy on which no part of the premium is to be derived from funds contributed by the covered persons specifically for their insurance must insure all eligible persons, except those who reject such coverage in writing.

4. An insurer may exclude or limit the coverage on any person as to whom evidence of individual insurability is not satisfactory to the insurer, except as otherwise prohibited in this title.

5. For a policy issued in the large group market and notwithstanding the provisions of § 38.2-3449, an insurer may (i) establish base rates formed on an actuarially sound, modified community rating methodology that considers the pooling of all participant claims and (ii) utilize each employer member's specific risk profile to determine contribution rates for each individual employer member's share of the premium by actuarially adjusting above or below established base rates.

F. A policy issued to a credit union or to a trustee or trustees or agent designated by two or more credit unions, which credit union, trustee, trustees, or agent shall be deemed the policyholder, to insure members of such credit union or credit unions for the benefit of persons other than the credit union or credit unions, trustee or trustees, or agent or any of their officials, subject to the following requirements:

1. The members eligible for insurance shall be all of the members of the credit union or credit unions, or all of any class or classes thereof.

2. The premium for the policy shall be paid by the policyholder from the credit union's funds and, except as provided in subdivision 3, must insure all eligible members.

3. An insurer may exclude or limit the coverage on any person as to whom evidence of individual insurability is not satisfactory to the insurer.

G. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection J, a policy issued to an association of real estate salespersons, as defined in § 54.1-2100, which association shall be deemed the policyholder, to insure members of such association, subject to the following requirements:

1. All of the members of such association shall be eligible for coverage. Members shall include (i) an employer member with at least one employee that is domiciled in the Commonwealth or (ii) a self-employed individual who (a) has an ownership right in a "trade or business," regardless of whether the trade or business is incorporated or unincorporated, (b) earns wages or self-employment income from the trade or business, and (c) works at least 20 hours a week or 80 hours a month providing personal services to the trade or business or earns income from the trade or business that at least equals the self-employed individual's cost of the health coverage.

2. The association shall (i) have at the outset a minimum of 25,000 members, (ii) have been organized and maintained in good faith for purposes other than that of obtaining insurance, (iii) have been in active existence for at least five years, and (iv) have a constitution and bylaws that provide that (a) the association hold regular meetings not less than annually to further purposes of the members, (b) the association collects dues or solicits contributions from members, and (c) the members have voting privileges and representation on the governing board and committees.

3. In no case shall membership in the association be conditioned on any health status-related factor relating to an individual, including an employee of an employer or a dependent of an employee.

4. The health insurance coverage offered through the association shall be available to all members regardless of any health status-related factor relating to such members or individuals eligible for coverage through a member.

5. The association shall not make health insurance coverage offered through the association available other than in connection with a member of the association.

6. The premium for the policy shall be paid from funds contributed by the association or by employer members, or by both, or from funds contributed by the covered persons or from both the covered persons and the association or employer members.

7. The policy issued to such an association shall (i) be considered a large group market plan subject to all coverage mandates applicable to a large group market plan offered in the Commonwealth and the large group market insurance regulations under the federal Public Health Service Act, P.L. 78-410, as amended; (ii) be subject to the group health plan coverage requirements under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, P.L. 111-148, as amended; (iii) be prohibited from denying coverage under the policy on the basis of a preexisting condition as set forth in § 38.2-3444; (iv) be guaranteed issue and guaranteed renewable; (v) notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A of § 38.2-3451 providing that a large group market plan is not required to provide coverage for essential health benefits in a manner that exceeds the requirements of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, P.L. 111-148, as amended, as of January 1, 2019, be subject to the requirements to provide essential health benefits and cost-sharing requirements as set forth in § 38.2-3451; and (vi) offer a minimum level of coverage designed to provide benefits that are actuarially equivalent to 60 percent of the full actuarial value of the benefits provided under the plan.

8. The insurer issuing such a policy shall (i) treat all of the members and employees of employer members who are enrolled in coverage under the policy as a single risk pool; (ii) set premiums on the basis of all of the collective group experience of the members and employees of employer members who are enrolled in coverage under the policy; (iii) be permitted to vary premiums by age, but such rate shall not vary by more than four to one for adults; (iv) be prohibited from varying premiums on the basis of gender; (v) be prohibited from varying premiums on the basis of the health status of an individual employee of an employer member or a self-employed individual member; and (vi) not establish discriminatory rules based on the health status of an employer member, an individual employee of an employer member, or a self-employed individual for eligibility or contribution.

9. A policy that meets the requirements of subdivisions 7 and 8 shall be considered to be compliant with the large group market insurance regulations under the federal Public Health Service Act, P.L. 78-410, as amended, and, as such, the Commonwealth, through the regulation of such policy by the Commission, shall be considered to be substantially enforcing the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, P.L. 111-148, as amended, with regard to such policy. The Commission shall regulate the policy in a manner that is consistent with this subdivision. In any case in which a federal agency renders a decision that is contrary to the provisions of this subdivision, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Attorney General may resolve any difference between federal law and the laws of the Commonwealth.

H. A policy issued to a health maintenance organization as provided in subsection B of § 38.2-4314.

I. A policy of blanket insurance issued in accordance with § 38.2-3521.2.

J. The provisions of this section shall not apply in any instance in which the provisions of this section are inconsistent or in conflict with a provision of Article 6 (§ 38.2-3438 et seq.) of Chapter 34.

1998, c. 154; 2013, c. 751; 2014, c. 350; 2022, cc. 349, 350; 2023, cc. 514, 515; 2024, cc. 459, 621.

A. As used in this section, "blanket insurance" means that form of limited accident and sickness insurance defined as an "excepted benefit" under § 38.2-3431, providing coverage for specified circumstances and specific classes of persons defined in a policy issued to a master policyholder and not by specifically naming the persons covered, by certificate or otherwise, although a statement of the coverage provided may be given, or required by the policy to be given, to eligible persons.

B. An individual application need not be required from a person covered under a blanket insurance policy.

C. No insurer issuing a blanket insurance policy shall be required to furnish a certificate to each person covered by the policy.

D. A blanket insurance policy may be issued or issued for delivery in the Commonwealth if it conforms to one of the following descriptions:

1. A policy or contract issued to any common carrier or to any operator, owner, lessor or lessee of a means of transportation, which shall be deemed the policyholder, which policy or contract covers a group defined as all persons who may become passengers, renters, lessors, lessees, or operators defined by their travel status on such common carrier or means of transportation.

2. A policy issued to an employer, who shall be deemed the policyholder, covering any group of workers, dependents or guests defined by reference to hazards incident to any activity or activities or operations of the policyholder.

3. A policy issued to a school, an institution of higher education, a school district, school districts, or a school jurisdictional unit, or to the head, principal, or governing board thereof, who or which shall be deemed the policyholder, covering students, parents, teachers, employees, or volunteers.

4. A policy issued in the name of any volunteer or governmental fire department, first aid, civil defense, or other such volunteer group, which shall be deemed the policyholder, covering any group of the members, participants, or volunteers incident to any activity or activities or operations sponsored or supervised by such department or group.

5. A policy or contract issued to a sports team, camp, or sponsor thereof, which shall be deemed the policyholder, covering participants, members, campers, employees, officials, supervisors, or volunteers.

6. A policy or contract issued to a religious, charitable, recreational, educational, or civic organization or branch thereof, which shall be deemed the policyholder, covering any group of members, participants, or volunteers defined by reference to specified hazards incident to any activity or activities or operations sponsored or supervised by or on the premises of such policyholder.

7. A policy or contract issued to a restaurant, hotel, motel, resort, innkeeper, or other group with a high degree of potential customer liability, which shall be deemed the policyholder, covering patrons, guests, or volunteers.

8. A policy or contract issued to an entertainment production company, who shall be deemed the policyholder, covering any group of participants, volunteers, audience members, contestants, or workers.

9. A policy or contract issued to a health maintenance organization, a health care provider or other arranger of health services, which shall be deemed the policyholder, covering subscribers, patients, donors, and surrogates provided that the coverage is not made a condition of receiving care.

10. A policy or contract issued to a bank, association, financial or other institution, vendor, or to a parent holding company, or to the trustee, trustees, or agent designated by one or more banks, associations, financial or other institutions, or vendors under which accountholders, credit card holders, debtors, guarantors, or purchasers are insured.

11. A policy or contract issued to an incorporated or unincorporated association of persons having a common interest or calling, which association shall be deemed the policyholder, formed for purposes other than obtaining insurance, covering members or participants of such association.

12. A policy or contract issued to a travel agency, or other organization that provides travel related services, which organization shall be deemed the policyholder, to cover all persons for which travel related services are provided.

13. A policy issued to any other risk or class of risks which, in the discretion of the Commission, may be subject to the issuance of a blanket accident and sickness policy. The discretion of the Commission may be exercised on an individual risk basis or class of risks, or both.

E. Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, any benefits that are payable under a blanket insurance policy shall be paid directly to the person covered under such policy.

2014, c. 350.

Repealed by Acts 1998, c. 154.

Group accident and sickness insurance offered to a resident of this Commonwealth under a group accident and sickness insurance policy issued to a group other than one described in § 38.2-3521.1 shall be subject to the following requirements:

A. No such group accident and sickness insurance policy shall be delivered in this Commonwealth unless the Commission finds that:

1. The issuance of such group policy is not contrary to Virginia's public policy and is in the best interest of the citizens of this Commonwealth;

2. The issuance of the group policy would result in economies of acquisition or administration; and

3. The benefits are reasonable in relation to the premiums charged.

Insurers filing policy forms seeking approval under the provisions of this subsection shall accompany the forms with a certification, signed by the officer of the company with the responsibility for forms compliance, in which the company certifies that each such policy form will be issued only where the requirements set forth in subdivisions 1 through 3 of this subsection have been met.

B. No such group accident and sickness insurance coverage may be offered in this Commonwealth by an insurer under a policy issued in another state unless this Commonwealth or another state having requirements substantially similar to those contained in subdivisions 1, 2, and 3 of subsection A has made a determination that such requirements have been met.

1. An insurer offering group accident and sickness insurance coverage in this Commonwealth under this subsection shall file a certification, signed by the officer of the company having responsibility for forms compliance, in which the company certifies that all group insurance coverage marketed to residents of this Commonwealth under policies which have not been approved by this Commonwealth will comply with the provisions of § 38.2-3521.1 or have met the requirements set forth in subdivisions A 1 through A 3 of this section, and which clearly demonstrates that the substantially similar requirements of the state in which the contract will be issued have been met. The certification shall be accompanied by documentation from such state, evidencing the determination that such requirements have been met.

2. An insurer offering group accident and sickness insurance in this Commonwealth under this subsection that is unable to provide the documentation required in subdivision 1 of this subsection shall be required to file policy forms consistent with requirements in § 38.2-316 which are imposed on policies issued in Virginia. The policy shall be required to be approved as meeting all requirements of this title prior to its being offered to residents of this Commonwealth.

C. The premium for the policy shall be paid either from the policyholder's funds or from funds contributed by the covered persons, or from both.

D. An insurer may exclude or limit the coverage on any person as to whom evidence of individual insurability is not satisfactory to the insurer, except as otherwise prohibited in this title.

E. The provisions of this section shall not apply in any instance in which the provisions of this section are inconsistent or in conflict with a provision of Article 6 (§ 38.2-3438 et seq.) of Chapter 34.

1998, c. 154; 2013, c. 751.

Repealed by Acts 1998, c. 154.

The Commission may review the records of any insurer to determine that the insurer's policies have been issued in compliance with the requirements set forth in this article. Insurers issuing coverage not complying with the provisions of § 38.2-3521.1 and not complying with the provisions of § 38.2-3522.1 shall be deemed to have committed a knowing and willful violation of this article, and shall be punished as set forth in subsection A of § 38.2-218.

1998, c. 154.

A group accident and sickness insurance policy issued outside of this Commonwealth, providing coverage to residents of this Commonwealth, that does not qualify under § 38.2-3521.1 or § 38.2-3522.1 shall be subject to the statutory requirements of this title and may subject the insurer issuing such policy to the penalties available under this title for violation of such requirements.

1998, c. 154.

Insurance marketed to certificate holders of a group which does not qualify under § 38.2-3521.1 or § 38.2-3522.1 must be marketed by a person holding a valid life and health insurance agent license as required by Chapter 18 (§ 38.2-1800 et seq.) of this title.

1998, c. 154; 1999, c. 86.

A. A group accident and sickness insurance policy shall on the issue date and at each policy anniversary date, cover at least two persons, other than spouses or minor children, unless such spouse or minor child is determined to be an eligible employee as defined in § 38.2-3431.

B. The provisions of this section shall not apply in any instance in which the provisions of this section are inconsistent or in conflict with a provision of Article 6 (§ 38.2-3438 et seq.) of Chapter 34.

1998, c. 154; 2013, c. 751.

Repealed by Acts 1998, c. 154.

A. Coverage under a group accident and sickness insurance policy, except a policy issued pursuant to subsection B of § 38.2-3521.1, may be extended to insure:

1. The spouse and any child who is (i) under the age of 19 years, (ii) who is a dependent and under the age of 25 years, or (iii) who is a dependent and a full-time student under 25 years of age, without regard to whether such child resides in the same household as the insured group member, or any class of spouse and dependent children, of each insured group member who so elects; and

2. Any other class of persons as may mutually be agreed upon by the insurer and the group policyholder.

B. The amount of accident and sickness insurance for the spouse, dependent child or other person shall not exceed the amount of accident and sickness insurance for the insured group member.

C. At the insurer's option and subject to the policyholder's election, the coverage for children of the insured group member may be extended beyond the ages established in subsection A. Any such extension of coverage shall be as mutually agreed upon by the insurer and the group policyholder.

D. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 38.2-3538, one certificate may be issued for each insured group member if a statement concerning any spouse's, dependent child's, or other person's coverage is included in the certificate.

E. When a policy provides coverage for a dependent child who is enrolled based upon the child's status as a full-time student and such child is unable due to a medical condition to continue as a full-time student, coverage under the policy for such child nevertheless shall continue in force provided the child's treating physician certifies to the insurer at the time the child withdraws as a full-time student that the child's absence is medically necessary. Coverage for such child shall continue in force until the earlier of (i) the date that is 12 months from the date the child ceases to be a full-time student or (ii) the date the child no longer qualifies as a dependent child under the terms of the group policy. A child's status as a full-time student shall be determined in accordance with the criteria specified by the institution in which the child is enrolled.

F. The provisions of this section shall not apply in any instance in which the provisions of this section are inconsistent or in conflict with a provision of Article 6 (§ 38.2-3438 et seq.) of Chapter 34.

1986, c. 562; 1993, c. 306; 1998, c. 154; 2004, c. 771; 2005, c. 871; 2007, c. 428; 2008, c. 209; 2011, c. 882.

A. No group accident and sickness insurance policy shall be delivered or issued for delivery in this Commonwealth unless it contains the standard provisions prescribed in this article.

B. The provisions of § 38.2-3531, subsection A of §§ 38.2-3533 and 38.2-3538 shall not apply to policies issued pursuant to subsection B of § 38.2-3522.1.

1986, c. 562; 1998, c. 154.

Each group accident and sickness insurance policy shall contain a provision that the policyowner is entitled to a grace period of not less than thirty-one days for the payment of any premium due except the first premium. The provision shall also state that during the grace period the accident and sickness coverage shall continue in force unless the policyowner has given the insurer written notice of discontinuance in accordance with the terms of the policy and in advance of the date of discontinuance. The policy may provide that the policyowner shall be liable to the insurer for the payment of a pro rata premium for the time the policy was in force during the grace period.

1986, c. 562.

A. Each group accident and sickness insurance policy shall contain a provision that the validity of the policy shall not be contested, except for nonpayment of premiums, after it has been in force for two years from its date of issue.

B. The provision shall also state that no statement made by any person insured under the policy relating to his insurability or the insurability of his insured dependents shall be used in contesting the validity of the insurance with respect to which such statement was made:

1. After the insurance has been in force prior to the contest for a period of two years during the lifetime of the person about whom the statement was made; and

2. Unless the statement is contained in a written instrument signed by him.

C. This provision shall not preclude the assertion at any time of defenses based on the person's ineligibility for coverage under the policy or upon other provisions in the policy.

1986, c. 562.

A. Each group accident and sickness insurance policy shall contain a provision that the policy, and any application of the policyowner, and any individual applications of the persons insured shall constitute the entire contract between the parties.

B. The provision shall also state that:

1. A copy of any application of the policyowner shall be attached to the policy when issued;

2. All statements made by the policyowner or by the persons insured shall be deemed representations and not warranties; and

3. No written statement made by any person insured shall be used in any contest unless a copy of the statement is furnished to the person or to his beneficiary or personal representative.

1986, c. 562.

Each group accident and sickness insurance policy shall contain a provision setting forth any conditions under which the insurer reserves the right to require a person eligible for insurance to furnish evidence of individual insurability satisfactory to the insurer as a condition to part or all of his coverage.

1986, c. 562.

A. Each group accident and sickness insurance policy shall contain a provision specifying all additional exclusions or limitations applicable under the policy for any disease or physical condition of a person, not otherwise excluded from the person's coverage by name or specific description effective on the date of the person's loss, which existed prior to the effective date of the person's coverage under the policy.

B. Any such exclusion or limitation may only apply to a disease or physical condition for which medical advice or treatment was received by the person during the twelve months prior to the effective date of the person's coverage. The exclusion or limitation shall not apply to loss incurred or disability commencing after the earlier of (i) the end of a continuous period of twelve months commencing on or after the effective date of the person's coverage during which the person receives no medical advice or treatment in connection with the disease or physical condition, or (ii) the end of the two-year period commencing on the effective date of the person's coverage.

C. This section shall not apply to group accident and sickness policies providing hospital, medical and surgical or major medical coverage on an expense incurred basis to an employer's employees and their dependents.

1986, c. 562; 1998, c. 24.

Each group accident and sickness insurance policy where the premiums or benefits vary by age shall contain a provision that an equitable adjustment of premiums, benefits or both shall be made if the age of a person insured has been misstated. The provision shall contain a clear statement of the method of adjustment to be used.

1986, c. 562.

A. Each group accident and sickness insurance policy shall contain a provision that the insurer will issue to the policyholder for delivery to each person insured a certificate setting forth:

1. The insured person's insurance protection, including any limitations, reductions, and exclusions applicable to the coverage provided;

2. To whom the insurance benefits are payable;

3. Any family member's or dependent's coverage; and

4. The rights and conditions set forth in § 38.2-3541.

B. Each group policy issued pursuant to § 38.2-3522.1 B, where any part of the premium is paid by debtors from identifiable charges collected from the insured debtors not required of an uninsured debtor, shall contain a provision that the insurer will furnish to the policyholder for each debtor insured under the policy a form that will contain a statement describing the debtor's coverage and that the benefits payable shall be applied to reduce or extinguish the indebtedness.

1986, c. 562; 1998, c. 154.

Each group accident and sickness insurance policy shall contain a provision that written notice of a claim shall be given to the insurer within twenty days after the occurrence or commencement of any loss covered by the policy. Failure to give notice within that time shall not invalidate or reduce any claim if it can be shown that notice was given as soon as reasonably possible.

1986, c. 562.

Each group accident and sickness insurance policy shall contain a provision that the insurer will furnish forms for filing proof of loss to the person making a claim or to the policyholder for delivery to that person. If the forms are not furnished within fifteen days after the insurer received notice of any claim under the policy, the person making the claim shall be deemed to have complied with the requirements of the policy as to proof of loss upon submitting within the time fixed in the policy of filing proof of loss, written proof covering the occurrence, character, and extent of the loss for which a claim is made.

1986, c. 562.

A. Each group accident and sickness insurance policy shall contain a provision that written proof of the loss shall be furnished to the insurer within ninety days after the date of the loss. In the case of a claim for loss of time for disability, each group accident and sickness insurance policy shall contain a provision that written proof of the loss shall be furnished to the insurer within ninety days after the commencement of the period for which the insurer is liable. Subsequent written proof of the continuance of the disability shall be furnished to the insurer at reasonable intervals required by the insurer.

B. Failure to furnish such proof within the prescribed time shall not invalidate or reduce any claim if it was not reasonably possible to furnish the proof within that time and the proof is furnished as soon as reasonably possible. In no event, except in the absence of legal capacity of the claimant, shall such proof be furnished later than one year from the time proof is otherwise required.

1986, c. 562.

Each group accident and sickness insurance policy shall contain a provision that all benefits payable under the policy other than benefits for loss of time shall be payable within sixty days after receipt of proof of loss. The provision shall also state that, subject to proof of loss, all accrued benefits payable under the policy for loss of time shall be paid at least monthly during the continuance of the period for which the insurer is liable, and that any balance remaining unpaid at the termination of such period will be paid as soon as possible.

1986, c. 562.

Each group accident and sickness insurance policy shall contain a provision that benefits for loss of life of the person insured shall be payable to the beneficiary designated by the person insured. However, if the policy contains conditions pertaining to family status, the beneficiary may be the family member specified by the policy terms. In either case, payment of those benefits is subject to the provisions of the policy in the event no such designated or specified beneficiary is living at the death of the person insured. The policy may also provide that if any benefit is payable to the estate of a person, or to a person who is a minor or otherwise not competent to give a valid release, the insurer may pay the benefit, up to an amount not exceeding $5,000, to any relative by blood or connection by marriage of the person who is deemed by the insurer to be equitably entitled to the benefit. The policy may also provide that all or any portion of any benefits provided for health care services may be paid to the health care services provider. All other benefits of the policy shall be payable to the person insured.

1986, c. 562; 1991, c. 87.

Each group accident and sickness insurance policy shall contain a provision that the insurer shall have the right (i) to examine the person for whom a claim is made when and as often as it may reasonably require during the pendency of claim under the policy and (ii) to make an autopsy where it is not prohibited by law.

1986, c. 562.

Each group accident and sickness insurance policy shall contain a provision that no action at law or in equity shall be brought to recover on the policy within sixty days after proof of loss has been filed in accordance with the policy requirements and that no such action shall be brought after the expiration of three years from the time that proof of loss was required to be filed.

1986, c. 562.

A. Each group accident and sickness insurance policy and health care plan shall contain a provision which provides that the insurer, upon request, shall provide a policyholder that employed an average of at least 100 individuals who were insureds, subscribers, or enrollees on business days during the preceding 12-month period with a complete record of the policyholder's medical claims experience or medical costs incurred under the group policy, contract or plan. This record shall include all claims incurred for the lesser of (i) the period of time since the policy, contract or plan was issued or issued for delivery or (ii) the period of time since the policy, contract, or plan was last renewed, reissued or extended, if already issued. This record shall be made available promptly to the policyholder upon request made not less than 30 days prior to the date upon which the premiums or contractual terms of the policy, contract or plan may be amended. Nothing in this section shall require the disclosure of personal or privileged information about an individual that is protected from disclosure under Chapter 6 (§ 38.2-600 et seq.) of this title, or under any other applicable federal or state law or regulation. No policyholder shall be required to pay for information requested pursuant to this section.

B. A policyholder that employed an average of at least 100 individuals who were insureds, subscribers or enrollees on business days during the preceding 12-month period shall receive from its insurer, upon request, at the time that the insurer provides a record of medical claims experience or medical costs under subsection A of this section (i) a summary of medical claims charges or medical costs incurred and the amount paid with respect to those claims for the most recently available 24-month period; (ii) a listing of the number of insured, subscribers or enrollees for whom combined medical claims payments or medical costs exceed $100,000 for the most recently available 12-month period, and for the preceding 12 months if not previously provided, with information as to whether these enrollees from the most recently available 12-month period remain enrolled under the policy, and provided that a policyholder and insurer may agree by contract to provide the listing for amounts less than $100,000; and (iii) total enrollment in each membership type as of the end of the most recently available 12-month period. This record shall be made available to the policyholder within 20 business days upon written request made not less than 45 days prior to the date upon which the premiums or contractual terms of the policy may be amended. Nothing in this section shall require the disclosure of personal or privileged information about an individual that is protected from disclosure under Chapter 6 (§ 38.2-600 et seq.) of this title, or under any other applicable federal or state law or regulation. No policyholder shall be required to pay for information requested pursuant to this section.

C. With respect to group accident and sickness insurance policies, the requirements of this section shall apply to all policies, contracts, and plans delivered, issued for delivery, reissued or extended on and after July 1, 2003, or at any time after the effective date hereof when any term of any such policy, contract or plan is changed or any premium adjustment is made. With respect to health care plans, the requirements of this section shall apply to all contracts delivered, issued for delivery, reissued or extended on and after January 1, 2005, or at any time after the effective date hereof when any term of any such contract or plan is changed or any premium adjustment is made.

1992, c. 800; 1999, c. 116; 2003, c. 654; 2004, c. 772.

A. Each group accident and sickness insurance policy and health care plan may provide a premium discount to every employer instituting and maintaining an employee wellness program satisfying such criteria as each insurer may establish. An employer instituting and maintaining an employee wellness program in accordance with the insurer's criteria may require that any employee wishing to enroll in such program undergo a health assessment as a condition of enrollment.

B. The provisions of this section shall not apply in any instance in which the provisions of this section are inconsistent or in conflict with a provision of Article 6 (§ 38.2-3438 et seq.) of Chapter 34.

2010, c. 272; 2013, c. 751.

A. Each group hospital policy, group medical and surgical policy, or group major medical policy delivered or issued for delivery in the Commonwealth or renewed, reissued, or extended if already issued, shall contain a provision for continuation of coverage under the group policy if the insurance on a person covered under such a policy ceases because of the termination of the person's eligibility for coverage, prior to that person becoming eligible for Medicare or Medicaid benefits. This provision shall not be applicable if the group policyholder is required by federal law to provide for continuation of coverage under its group health plan pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA).

B. The insured's present coverage shall continue under the policy for a period of 12 months immediately following the date of the termination of the person's eligibility, without evidence of insurability, subject to the following requirements:

1. The application and payment for the extended coverage is made to the group policyholder within 31 days after issuance of the written notice required in subsection C, but in no event beyond the 60-day period following the date of the termination of the person's eligibility;

2. Each premium for such extended coverage is timely paid to the group policyholder on a monthly basis during the 12-month period;

3. The premium for continuing the group coverage shall be at the insurer's current rate applicable to the group policy plus any applicable administrative fee not to exceed two percent of the current rate;

4. Continuation shall only be available to an employee or member who has been continuously insured under the group policy during the entire three-month period immediately preceding termination of eligibility; and

5. Continuation shall not be available to an individual whose eligibility for coverage under the group policy ceased because the individual was discharged from employment by the group policyholder for gross misconduct. As used in this subdivision, "gross misconduct" means any conduct connected with the individual's work that would constitute misconduct under § 60.2-618, including deliberately and willfully engaging in conduct evincing a complete disregard for the employer's workplace standards and policies.

C. The group policyholder shall provide each employee or other person covered under such a policy written notice of the availability of continuation of coverage and the procedures and timeframes for obtaining continuation of the group policy. Such notice shall be provided within 14 days of the policyholder's knowledge of the employee's or other covered person's loss of eligibility under the policy.

1979, c. 97, § 38.1-348.11; 1982, c. 625; 1984, c. 300; 1986, c. 562; 1988, c. 551; 2010, c. 503; 2014, c. 814; 2018, c. 471.

Repealed by Acts 2014, c. 814, cl. 2

A. As used in this section, "assistance program" means the Commonwealth's medical assistance services program, established pursuant to § 32.1-325, or the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan, established pursuant to § 32.1-351, including under any waiver or demonstration project conducted under or in relation thereto.

B. Any employer providing health insurance coverage for his employees under a group accident and sickness insurance policy, or subscription contract, or other evidence of coverage shall permit an employee who is eligible, but not enrolled, for coverage under the terms of the policy, contract or plan, or a dependent of such an employee, if the dependent is eligible but not enrolled, for coverage under such terms, to enroll for coverage under the terms of the policy, contract or plan, if either of the following conditions is met:

1. The employee or dependent has received health insurance coverage under an assistance program, coverage of the employee or dependent under the assistance program is terminated as a result of loss of eligibility for such coverage, and the employee requests coverage under the group policy, contract or plan not later than 60 days after the date of termination of coverage under the assistance program; or

2. The employee or dependent becomes eligible under an assistance program for premium assistance for the purchase of coverage under the group policy, contract or plan, including contributions to the cost of employer-sponsored health insurance pursuant to subsection C of § 32.1-351.1, and the employee requests coverage under the group policy, contract or plan not later than 60 days after the date the employee or dependent is determined to be eligible for such premium assistance.

C. Any employer providing health insurance coverage for his employees under a group accident and sickness insurance policy, or subscription contract, or other evidence of coverage within the Commonwealth, shall provide to each employee a written notice informing the employee of premium assistance opportunities currently available for the employee or the employee's dependents through the Commonwealth's assistance programs. For purposes of compliance with this subsection, for employees residing within the Commonwealth, the employer may use a Virginia-specific model notice developed in accordance with section 701(f)(3)(B)(i)(II) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. § 1181 (f)(3)(B)(i)(II)). An employer may provide the Virginia-specific model notice concurrent with (i) the furnishing of materials notifying the employee of health plan eligibility; (ii) materials provided to the employee in connection with an open season or election process conducted under the plan; or (iii) the furnishing of the summary plan description as provided in section 104(b) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. § 1024).

D. If an employee or the employee's dependents are covered under an assistance program and potentially eligible for premium assistance for the purchase of coverage under the employer's group health plan, the plan administrator of the group health plan shall disclose to the Department of Medical Assistance Services, upon request, information about the benefits available under the group health plan in sufficient specificity, as determined under regulations of the Secretary of Health and Human Services in consultation with the Secretary, that require use of the model coverage coordination disclosure form developed under § 311(b)(1)(C) of the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009, so as to permit the Department of Medical Assistance Services to make a determination concerning the cost-effectiveness of the provision by the Commonwealth of contributions to the cost of employer-sponsored health insurance, through premium assistance for the purchase of coverage under such group health plan, and in order for the Department of Medical Assistance Services to provide any required supplemental benefits under an assistance program.

2010, c. 504.

A. Any employer who (i) assumes part or all of the cost of providing group accident and sickness insurance or a group health services plan or group health care plan for his employees under a group insurance policy or subscription contract or other evidence of coverage; (ii) provides a facility for deducting the full amount of the premium from employees' salaries and remitting such premium to the insurer, health services plan, or health maintenance organization; or (iii) provides for health and medical care or reimbursement of medical expenses for his employees as a self-insurer, shall give written notice to participating employees in the event of termination or upon the receipt of notice of termination of any such policy, contract, coverage, or self-insurance not later than fifteen days after the termination of a self-insured plan or receipt of the notice of termination required by subsection C of this section.

B. Any employer who collects from his employees or covers any part of the cost of any of the policies, contracts, or coverages specified in subsection A of this section and who knowingly fails to remit to the insurer or plan such funds required to maintain coverage in accordance with the policy or contract provisions under which the employees are covered shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and shall be subject to civil suit for any medical expenses the employee may become liable for as a result of the employer letting such coverage be terminated.

C. In the event the coverages specified in subsection A of this section are terminated due to nonpayment of premium by the employer, no such coverages shall be terminated by an insurer, health services plan, health maintenance organization or health insurance issuer as defined in § 38.2-3431 with respect to a covered individual unless and until the employer has been provided with a written or printed notice of termination, including a specific date, not less than fifteen days from the date of such notice, by which coverage will terminate if overdue premium is not paid. Coverage shall not be permitted to terminate for at least fifteen days after such notice has been mailed. Each insurer, health services plan, or health maintenance organization shall make reimbursement on all valid claims for services incurred prior to the date coverage is terminated.

1982, c. 586, § 38.1-356.01; 1986, cc. 251, 562; 1990, c. 301; 1999, c. 276.

A. Group accident and sickness insurance policies of a foreign or alien insurer, delivered or issued for delivery in this Commonwealth, may contain any provision that is not less favorable to the insured or the beneficiary than the provisions required by this article and that is prescribed by the laws of its domiciliary jurisdiction.

B. Any group accident and sickness insurance policy of a domestic insurer may, when delivered or issued for delivery in any other jurisdiction, contain any provision permitted or required by the laws of that jurisdiction.

1986, c. 562.

The Commission may establish rules and regulations for coordination of benefits, as well as to establish standards to be met in connection with the marketing and contracting for group accident and sickness insurance in this Commonwealth. Pursuant to the authority granted by § 38.2-223, the Commission may promulgate such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary to establish standards with regard to coordination of benefits provisions.

1994, c. 316; 1998, c. 154.

In the event of conflict between the provisions of this article and other provisions of this title, the provisions of this article shall be controlling.

1998, c. 154.