Ch. 35

1997 LAWS OF MARYLAND

elected by or on behalf of an insured" is added to state expressly that which
only was implied in the former law, i.e., continuation coverage is not
automatic.

In subsection (e)(1) of this section, the term "authorized representative" is
added for conformity with subsection (e)(3) of this section and to state
expressly that which only was implied in the former law, i.e., an authorized
representative may elect continuation coverage for an insured.

In subsection (h)(2) of this section, the reference to the Secretary of "Business
and Economic Development" is substituted for the former reference to the
Secretary of "Economic and Employment Development" for accuracy.

Defined terms: "Commissioner" § 1-101
"County" § 1-101
"Insurance contract" § 1-101
"Insurer" § 1-101
"Policy" § 1-101

15-410. CONTINUATION COVERAGE ON DEATH OF INDIVIDUAL IN INSURED GROUP.

A GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY UNDER WHICH AN INSURER PAYS
BENEFITS FOR EXPENSES INCURRED FOR HOSPITAL, NURSING, MEDICAL, OR
SURGICAL SERVICES FOR FAMILY MEMBERS OR DEPENDENTS OF AN INDIVIDUAL IN
THE INSURED GROUP MAY PROVIDE FOR THE CONTINUATION OF ALL OR PART OF
THE BENEFIT PROVISIONS AFTER THE DEATH OF THE INDIVIDUAL IN THE INSURED
GROUP.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This section is new language derived without substantive
change from former Art. 48A, § 471(6).

The reference to a group health "insurance" policy is added for clarity and
consistency with terminology used throughout this subtitle.

The references to an "individual" in the insured group are substituted for the
former references to a "person" because an insured group consists of
individuals.

Defined terms: "Health insurance" § 1-101
"Insurer" § 1-101
"Policy" § 1-101

15-411. OPEN ENROLLMENT OF INVOLUNTARILY TERMINATED SPOUSE LOSING
COVERAGE.

(A) IN GENERAL.

EACH GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRACT OR POLICY THAT IS ISSUED BY
AN INSURER OR NONPROFIT HEALTH SERVICE PLAN SHALL PROVIDE CONTINUOUS
OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING A MARRIED EMPLOYEE WHO
IS ENROLLED UNDER THE CONTRACT OR POLICY TO ALTER THE TERMS OF THE
EMPLOYEE'S COVERAGE TO INCLUDE THE EMPLOYEE'S SPOUSE OR CHILDREN IF
THE EMPLOYEE'S SPOUSE LOSES COVERAGE UNDER ANOTHER GROUP HEALTH

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