Section 284-50-270. Mammograms—Coverage requirements and exceptions.

(1) The purpose of this regulation is to effectuate the provisions of RCW 48.20.393 and 48.21.225, by establishing definitions for the exceptions to coverage for mammograms. This regulation shall apply to every group and individual disability insurance contract, which is delivered or issued for delivery or renewed in this state on or after September 1, 1992, that provides coverage for hospital or medical expenses.

(2) For the purposes of RCW 48.20.393 and 48.21.225 and this regulation, supplemental contracts covering specified disease shall be defined to mean and include only those contracts or policies which provide benefits to a policyholder only in the event that the policyholder contracts the disease or diseases specifically named in the policy. Also for the purposes of RCW 48.20.393 and 48.21.225 and this regulation, supplemental contracts covering limited benefits shall be defined to mean and include only those contracts providing only one of the following benefits: Hospital indemnity, accident only coverage, dental care, vision care, mental health care, chemical dependency care, pharmaceutical care, and podiatric care.

(3) Coverage of mammograms may be subject to standard policy provisions applicable to other diagnostic X-ray benefits such as deductible or copayment provisions.

(4) For purposes of RCW 48.20.393 and 48.21.225 and this regulation, a contract is "renewed" when it is continued beyond the earliest date, after September 1, 1992, upon which, at the insurer's sole option:

(a) The contract's termination could have been effectuated, for other than nonpayment of premium; or

(b) The contract could have been amended to add the mammogram coverage, with, if justified, an appropriate rate increase for any increased cost in providing mammogram coverage under the contract.

The failure of the insurer to take any such steps does not prevent the contract from being "renewed." The intent of this section is to bring the mammogram coverage under the maximum number of contracts possible at the earliest possible time, by permitting the insurer to exclude such coverage from only those contracts as to which there exists a right of renewal on the part of the insured without any change in any provision of the contract.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060 (3)(a). WSR 92-19-061 (Order R 92-13), § 284-50-270, filed 9/11/92, effective 10/12/92.]

RCW 48.02.060 (3)(a). WSR 92-19-061 (Order R 92-13), § 284-50-270, filed 9/11/92, effective 10/12/92.