SB 1371 Summary

• Prohibits health insurance plans from denying coverage, refusing to issue or renew, canceling, or terminating coverage based on an applicant or insured person's status as a victim of domestic abuse.

• Prevents health benefit plans from denying insurance claims based on the insured's status as a victim of domestic violence.

• Establishes that domestic abuse cannot be considered a preexisting condition for health insurance purposes.

• Applies to all health benefit plans issued or renewed on or after November 1, 2010, including group coverage, HMOs, PPOs, public programs, and MEWAs/self-insured plans (except ERISA-exempt plans).

• Effective date: November 1, 2010.