33-22-130: Coverage for adopted children from time of placement -- preexisting conditions.

(1) Each group and individual disability policy, certificate of insurance, or membership contract that is delivered, issued for delivery, renewed, extended, or modified in this state must provide coverage for an adopted child of the insured or subscriber to the same extent as for natural children of the insured or subscriber.

(2) The coverage required by this section must be effective from the date of placement for the purpose of adoption and must continue unless the placement is disrupted prior to legal adoption and the child is removed from placement. Coverage at the time of placement must include the necessary care and treatment of medical conditions existing prior to the date of placement and may not impose a preexisting condition exclusion.

(3) As used in this section, "placement" means the transfer of physical custody of a child who is legally free for adoption to a person who intends to adopt the child.