HB 2291 Summary

• Prohibits all health insurers in Arizona (hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health care services organizations, and disability insurers) from imposing any preexisting condition exclusions or limitations on health insurance coverage effective December 31, 2010.

• Defines "preexisting condition" as any condition for which medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment was recommended or received before enrollment, clarifying that genetic conditions without a diagnosis are not preexisting conditions.

• Removes references to preexisting condition exclusions from emergency rules for armed forces reservists returning to civilian status and from maternity coverage requirements for adopted children.

• Eliminates preexisting condition waiting periods from conversion policies and continuation coverage, ensuring coverage becomes effective without evidence of insurability.

• Applies to all health insurance products including group policies, individual policies, blanket disability insurance, and evidence of coverage issued by health care services organizations.