§ 135-45.13. Conversion. - North Carolina Statutes

§ 135‑45.13. Conversion.

(a)        Upon a cessation ofgroup coverage under the Plan and/or eligibility for group coverage under thePlan, an employee or dependent shall be entitled to a conversion to nongroupcoverage without the necessity of a physical examination. Such conversioncoverage shall include hospitalization, surgical, and medical benefits ascontained in the major medical and alternative plan conversion provisions ofArticle 53 of Chapter 58 of the General Statutes. The Executive Administratorand Board of Trustees in their sole discretion shall approve the conversioncoverage, which shall be administered by the Claims Processor through aninsurance contract arranged by the Claims Processor, or administered asotherwise directed by the Executive Administrator and Board of Trustees. Aneligible employee or dependent must apply for conversion coverage within 30days after termination of group eligibility.

(b)        The ExecutiveAdministrator and Board of Trustees shall provide for the continuation ofconversion privilege exercised under the predecessor plan, on a fullycontributory basis. The Executive Administrator and Board of Trustees shallconsult with the Committee on Employee Hospital and Medical Benefits beforetaking action under this subsection.  (1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1398, s. 6; 1983, c.922, s. 21.6; 1985, c. 732, ss. 30, 56; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 1020, s.20; 2008‑168, ss. 1(a), 3(a), (r).)