(a) It is the intent of the Legislature to encourage self-funded student health coverage offered by the University of California Student Health Insurance Plan and the University of California Voluntary Dependent Plan to maintain or exceed coverage standards of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. All other student health coverage offered by an institution of higher education in California shall comply with the provisions of the act that added this subdivision. (b) For policy years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, a blanket disability insurance policy that meets the definition of student health insurance coverage as set forth in this section shall be considered individual health insurance coverage for purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 106. (c) âStudent health insurance coverageâ is a blanket disability policy under paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 10270.2, that covers hospital, medical, or surgical benefits, that is provided pursuant to a written agreement between an institution of higher education, as defined in the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, and a disability insurance issuer, and provided to students enrolled in that institution of higher education and their dependents, that meets all of the following conditions: (1) Does not make coverage available other than in connection with enrollment as a student, or as a dependent of a student, in the institution of higher education. (2) Does not condition eligibility for the insurance coverage on any health status-related factor relating to a student or a dependent of a student. (3) Does not condition eligibility, an offer, issuance, a sale, or a renewal for the insurance coverage on any factor other than enrollment as a student or dependent of a student in the institution of higher education. (d) (1) (A) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this section, a blanket disability insurance policy that meets the definition of student health insurance coverage shall comply with the provisions of this code that are applicable to nongrandfathered individual health insurance, including, but not limited to, essential health benefits requirements as set forth in Section 10112.27, rating factors consistent with Section 10965.9, the annual limit on maximum out-of-pocket expenses as set forth in Section 10112.28, the prohibition against annual and lifetime limits under Section 10112.1, and all rules and regulations issued thereunder. (B) Commencing July 1, 2026, if a student certificate holder graduates, takes a leave of absence, or is no longer enrolled at the institution of higher education, they may request to terminate their student health insurance coverage during the policy year. The request shall be provided to the institution of higher education at least 30 calendar days before the effective date of termination. Upon receipt of the request to terminate coverage, the institution of higher education shall terminate coverage effective within the same calendar month if feasible, but no later than the last day of the calendar month in which the 30-day period ends. When a student certificate holder, or dependent of a student, chooses to terminate their student health insurance coverage during the policy year consistent with the circumstances set forth under this subparagraph, the student shall only pay the premium through the date of their termination of coverage. A student or dependent of a student shall not be liable for a premium payment during the time that they are not enrolled in student health insurance coverage. In the case of premium paid in full for an academic term, the student shall be refunded pro rata for any time they are not enrolled in student health insurance coverage. Notice of the ability to terminate coverage pursuant to this subparagraph shall be provided in the student health insurance enrollment materials provided to a student or a dependent of a student. A student or dependent of a student shall also be notified
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