§ 58-65-1.1.  Definitions applicable to this Article.

The following definitions apply in this Article:

(1) Dental service plan. - A contract for the provision of, or the payment of fees for, dental care or dental services, including any other professional services authorized or permitted to be provided by a duly licensed dentist.

(2) Full-service corporation. - Any corporation organized under the provisions of this Article that offers a medical service plan or a health care service plan.

(3) Health care service plan. - Any contract for the provision of, or the payment of fees for, hospital care, laboratory facilities, X-ray facilities, drugs, health care appliances, anesthesia, nursing care, operating and obstetrical equipment, or health care accommodations, including any other services permitted to be provided by a hospital under the laws of this State and approved by the North Carolina Hospital Association or the American Medical Association.

(4) Hospital service corporation. - Any nonprofit corporation that operates one or any combination of the following:

a. Dental service plan.

b. Health care service plan.

c. Medical service plan.

d. Vision service plan.

(5) Medical service plan. - Any contract for the furnishing of, or the payment of fees for, any of the following:

a. Medical, obstetrical, surgical, or any other professional services authorized or permitted to be provided by a duly licensed physician or other provider listed in G.S. 58-50-30.

b. Professional medical services authorized or permitted to be provided by a health care provider licensed under Chapter 90 of the General Statutes.

(6) Preferred provider. - A health care provider who has agreed to accept, from a corporation organized for the purposes authorized by this Article, special reimbursement terms in exchange for providing services to beneficiaries of a plan administered pursuant to this Article.

(7) Single-service corporation. - Any corporation organized under the provisions of this Article that offers any of the following:

a. Only a dental service plan.

b. Only a vision service plan.

c. Both a dental service plan and a vision service plan, but no other plans.

(8) Vision service plan. - Any contract for the provision of, or the payment of fees for, vision care or vision services, including any other professional services permitted to be provided by a duly licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. (2021-169, s. 1.)