§ 58-51-125.  Adopted child coverage.

(a) Definitions. - As used in this section:

(1) "Child" means, in connection with any adoption or placement for adoption of the child, an individual who has not attained 18 years of age as of the date of the adoption or placement for adoption.

(2) "Placement for adoption" means the assumption and retention by a person of a legal obligation for total or partial support of a child in anticipation of the adoption of the child. The child's placement with a person terminates upon the termination of such legal obligations.

(b) Coverage Effective Upon Placement for Adoption. - If a health benefit plan provides coverage for dependent children of persons covered by the plan, the plan shall provide benefits to dependent children placed with covered persons for adoption under the same terms and conditions that apply to the natural, dependent children of covered persons, irrespective of whether the adoption has become final.

(c) Restrictions Based on Preexisting Conditions at Time of Placement for Adoption Prohibited. - A health benefit plan may not restrict coverage under the plan of any dependent child adopted by a covered person, or placed with a covered person for adoption, solely on the basis of any preexisting condition of the child at the time that the child would otherwise become eligible for coverage under the plan, if the adoption or placement for adoption occurs while the covered person is eligible for coverage under the plan. (1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 644, s. 1.)