CHAPTER 265

(HB 1045)

Health insurance dependent coverage continuation modified.


         ENTITLED, An Act to  provide for the continuance of coverage for dependents on certain health insurance policies.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA:

     Section  1.  That chapter 58-17 be amended by adding thereto a NEW SECTION to read as follows:

     No insurer or health carrier issuing a health benefit plan that provides dependent coverage for any qualifying child, as defined by rules promulgated pursuant to §  58-17-87, may terminate coverage due to attainment of a limiting age below age nineteen, or, if a full-time student in an accredited institution of higher learning as of the close of the calendar year, below age twenty-four. However, the provisions of this section do not apply to any qualifying relative, as defined by rules promulgated pursuant to §  58-17-87, whose gross income is less than the exemption amount as prescribed by the director by rules promulgated pursuant to chapter 1-26.

     Section  2.  That chapter 58-18 be amended by adding thereto a NEW SECTION to read as follows:

     No insurer or health carrier issuing a health benefit plan that provides dependent coverage for any qualifying child, as defined by rules promulgated pursuant to §  58-18-79, may terminate coverage due to attainment of a limiting age below age nineteen, or, if a full-time student in an accredited institution of higher learning as of the close of the calendar year, below age twenty-four. However, the provisions of this section do not apply to any qualifying relative, as defined by rules promulgated pursuant to §  58-18-79, whose gross income is less than the exemption amount as prescribed by the director by rules promulgated pursuant to chapter 1-26.

     Signed February 2, 2005
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