Sec. 38a-490. (Formerly Sec. 38-174g). Coverage for newborn infants in health insurance policies. Notice. Application. - Connecticut Statutes

      Sec. 38a-490. (Formerly Sec. 38-174g). Coverage for newborn infants in health insurance policies. Notice. Application. (a) Every individual health insurance policy providing coverage of the type specified in subdivisions (1), (2), (4), (6), (10), (11) and (12) of section 38a-469 for a family member of the insured or subscriber shall, as to such family members' coverage, also provide that the health insurance benefits applicable for children shall be payable with respect to a newly born child of the insured or subscriber from the moment of birth.

      (b) Coverage for such newly born child shall consist of coverage for injury and sickness including necessary care and treatment of medically diagnosed congenital defects and birth abnormalities within the limits of the policy.

      (c) If payment of a specific premium or subscription fee is required to provide coverage for a child, the policy or contract may require that notification of birth of such newly born child and payment of the required premium or fees shall be furnished to the insurer, hospital or medical service corporation or health care center within thirty-one days after the date of birth in order to continue coverage beyond such thirty-one-day period, provided failure to furnish such notice or pay such premium or fees shall not prejudice any claim originating within such thirty-one-day period.

      (d) The provisions of this section shall apply with respect to health insurance policies delivered or issued for delivery in this state on or after October 1, 1974, and to any health insurance policies which are thereafter amended to substantially alter or change benefits or coverages, and to any individual health insurance policies renewable at the option of such insurance company, hospital or medical service corporation or health care center which are thereafter renewed.

      (P.A. 74-6, S. 1-4; P.A. 90-243, S. 80.)

      History: P.A. 90-243 substituted references to "health insurance policies" for references to hospital and medical expense policies and contracts, specified applicability to individual policies only, and applied provisions to "health care centers"; Sec. 38-174g transferred to Sec. 38a-490 in 1991.

      See Sec. 38a-516 for similar provisions re group policies.

      See Sec. 38a-538 re conversion and extension rights of group members and re liability of group employers.