<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".16" citation="COMAR 31.17.03.16" title_num="31" subtitle_num="17" chapter_num="03" heading="Preexisting Condition Limitations.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The Board may implement a preexisting condition exclusion for the Plan, which shall be described in the Board's contract with the Plan administrator.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>If the Board implements a preexisting condition exclusion for the Plan, the preexisting condition exclusion may not apply to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>An eligible individual under the Maryland Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act as defined in Insurance Article, §15-1301, Annotated Code of Maryland, if the individual applies for the Plan coverage within 63 days of losing prior coverage;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A newborn child, provided that if an additional premium is required for the child's coverage, the child is enrolled within 31 days after the date of birth;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A newly adopted child, provided that if an additional premium is required for the child's coverage, the child is enrolled within 31 days after the date of adoption; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>An individual who:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Has 3 months of prior creditable coverage;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Is eligible for the tax credit for health insurance costs under §35 of the Internal Revenue Code; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Applies for the Plan coverage within 63 days after losing prior creditable coverage.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>If an individual applies for coverage under the Plan within 63 days of losing prior creditable coverage, the period of any preexisting condition exclusion shall be reduced by the period of time the individual was covered under prior creditable coverage.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>