42 U.S.C. § 300gg–91 (THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE)
§ 300gg–91. Definitions
(a) Group health plan
(1) Definition
The term “group health plan” means an employee welfare benefit plan (as defined in section 3(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1002(1)]) to the extent that the plan provides medical care (as defined in paragraph (2)) and including items and services paid for as medical care) to employees or their dependents (as defined under the terms of the plan) directly or through insurance, reimbursement, or otherwise. Except for purposes of part C of title XI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320d et seq.), such term shall not include any qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangement (as defined in section 9831(d)(2) of title 26).
(2) Medical care
The term “medical care” means amounts paid for—
(A) the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or amounts paid for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body,
(B) amounts paid for transportation primarily for and essential to medical care referred to in subparagraph (A), and
(C) amounts paid for insurance covering medical care referred to in subparagraphs (A) and (B).
(3) Treatment of certain plans as group health plan for notice provision
A program under which creditable coverage described in subparagraph (C), (D), (E), or (F) of section 2701(c)(1) 1 is provided shall be treated as a group health plan for purposes of applying section 2701(e).1
(b) Definitions relating to health insurance
(1) Health insurance coverage
The term “health insurance coverage” means benefits consisting of medical care (provided directly, through insurance or reimbursement, or otherwise and including items and services paid for as medical care) under any hospital or medical service policy or certificate, hospital or medical service plan contract, or health maintenance organization contract offered by a health insurance issuer.
(2) Health insurance issuer
The term “health insurance issuer” means an insurance company, insurance service, or insurance organization (including a health maintenance organization, as defined in paragraph (3)) which is licensed to engage in the business of insurance in a State and which is subject to State law which regulates insurance (within the meaning of section 514(b)(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1144(b)(2)]). Such term does not include a group health plan.
(3) Health maintenance organization
The term “health maintenance organization” means—
(A) a Federally qualified health maintenance organization (as defined in section 300e(a) of this title),
(B) an organization recognized under State law as a health maintenance organization, or
(C) a similar organization regulated under State law for solvency in the same manner and to the same extent as such a health maintenance organization.
(4) Group health insurance coverage
The term “group health insurance coverage” means, in connection with a group health plan, health insurance coverage offered in connection with such plan.
(5) Individual health insurance coverage
The term “individual health insurance coverage” means health insurance coverage offered to individuals in the individual market, but does not include short-term limited duration insurance.
(c) Excepted benefits
For purposes of this subchapter, the term “excepted benefits” means benefits under one or more (or any combination thereof) of the following:
(1) Benefits not subject to requirements
(A) Coverage only for accident, or disability income insurance, or any combination thereof.
(B) Coverage issued as a supplement to liability insurance.
(C) Liability insurance, including general liability insurance and automobile liability insurance.
(D) Workers’ compensation or similar insurance.
(E) Automobile medical payment insurance.
(F) Credit-only insurance.
(G) Coverage for on-site medical clinics.
(H) Other similar insurance coverage, specified in regulations, under which benefits for medical care are secondary or incidental to other insurance benefits.
(2) Benefits not subject to requirements if offered separately
(A) Limited scope dental or vision benefits.
(B) Benefits for long-term care, nursing home care, home health care, community-based care, or any combination thereof.
(C) Such other similar, limited benefits as are specified in regulations.
(3) Benefits not subject to requirements if offered as independent, noncoordinated benefits
(A) Coverage only for a specified disease or illness.
(B) Hospital indemnity or other fixed indemnity insurance.
(4) Benefits not subject to requirements if offered as separate insurance policy
Medicare supplemental health insurance (as defined under section 1395ss(g)(1) of this title), coverage supplemental to the coverage provided under chapter 55 of title 10, and similar supplemental coverage provided to coverage under a group health plan.
(d) Other definitions
(1) Applicable State authority
The term “applicable State authority” means, with respect to a health insurance issuer in a State, the State insurance commissioner or official or officials designated by the State to enforce the requirements of this subchapter for the State involved with respect to such issuer.
(2) Beneficiary
The term “beneficiary” has the meaning given such term under section 3(8) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1002(8)].
(3) Bona fide association
The term “bona fide association” means, with respect to health insurance coverage offered in a State, an association which—
(A) has been actively in existence for at least 5 years;
(B) has been formed and maintained in good faith for purposes other than obtaining insurance;
(C) does not condition membership in the association on any health status-related factor relating to an individual (including an employee of an employer or a dependent of an employee);
(D) makes health insurance coverage offered through the association available to all members regardless of any health status-related factor relating to such members (or individuals eligible for coverage through a member);
(E) does not make health insurance coverage offered through the association available other than in connection with a member of the association; and
(F) meets such additional requirements as may be imposed under State law.
(4) COBRA continuation provision
The term “COBRA continuation provision” means any of the following:
(A) Section 4980B of title 26, other than subsection (f)(1) of such section insofar as it relates to pediatric vaccines.
(B) Part 6 of subtitle B of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1161 et seq.], other than section 609 of such Act [29 U.S.C. 1169].
(C) Subchapter XX of this chapter.
(5) Employee
The term “employee” has the meaning given such term under section 3(6) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1002(6)].
(6) Employer
The term “employer” has the meaning given such term under section 3(5) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1002(5)], except that such term shall include only employers of two or more employees.
(7) Church plan
The term “church plan” has the meaning given such term under section 3(33) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1002(33)].
(8) Governmental plan
(A) The term “governmental plan” has the meaning given such term under section 3(32) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1002(32)] and any Federal governmental plan.
(B) Federal governmental plan.—
The term “Federal governmental plan” means a governmental plan established or maintained for its employees by the Government of the United States or by any agency or instrumentality of such Government.
(C) Non-Federal governmental plan.—
The term “non-Federal governmental plan” means a governmental plan that is not a Federal governmental plan.
(9) Health status-related factor
The term “health status-related factor” means any of the factors described in section 2702(a)(1).1
(10) Network plan
The term “network plan” means health insurance coverage of a health insurance issuer under which the financing and delivery of medical care (including items and services paid for as medical care) are provided, in whole or in part, through a defined set of providers under contract with the issuer.
(11) Participant
The term “participant” has the meaning given such term under section 3(7) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1002(7)].
(12) Placed for adoption defined
The term “placement”, or being “placed”, for adoption, in connection with any placement for adoption of a child with any person, means the assumption and retention by such person of a legal obligation for total or partial support of such child in anticipation of adoption of such child. The child’s placement with such person terminates upon the termination of such legal obligation.
(13) Plan sponsor
The term “plan sponsor” has the meaning given such term under section 3(16)(B) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1002(16)(B)].
(14) State
The term “State” means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
(15) Family member
The term “family member” means, with respect to any individual—
(A) a dependent (as such term is used for purposes of section 2701(f)(2)) 1 of such individual; and
(B) any other individual who is a first-degree, second-degree, third-degree, or fourth-degree relative of such individual or of an individual described in subparagraph (A).
(16) Genetic information
(A) In general
The term “genetic information” means, with respect to any individual, information about—
(i) such individual’s genetic tests,
(ii) the genetic tests of family members of such individual, and
(iii) the manifestation of a disease or disorder in family members of such individual.
(B) Inclusion of genetic services and participation in genetic research
Such term includes, with respect to any individual, any request for, or receipt of, genetic services, or participation in clinical research which includes genetic services, by such individual or any family member of such individual.
(C) Exclusions
The term “genetic information” shall not include information about the sex or age of any individual.
(17) Genetic test
(A) In general
The term “genetic test” means an analysis of human DNA, RNA, chromosomes, proteins, or metabolites, that detects genotypes, mutations, or chromosomal changes.
(B) Exceptions
The term “genetic test” does not mean—
(i) an analysis of proteins or metabolites that does not detect genotypes, mutations, or chromosomal changes; or
(ii) an analysis of proteins or metabolites that is directly related to a manifested disease, disorder, or pathological condition that could reasonably be detected by a health care professional with appropriate training and expertise in the field of medicine involved.
(18) Genetic services
The term “genetic services” means—
(A) a genetic test;
(B) genetic counseling (including obtaining, interpreting, or assessing genetic information); or
(C) genetic education.
(19) Underwriting purposes
The term “underwriting purposes” means, with respect to any group health plan, or health insurance coverage offered in connection with a group health plan—
(A) rules for, or determination of, eligibility (including enrollment and continued eligibility) for benefits under the plan or coverage;
(B) the computation of premium or contribution amounts under the plan or coverage;
(C) the application of any pre-existing condition exclusion under the plan or coverage; and
(D) other activities related to the creation, renewal, or replacement of a contract of health insurance or health benefits.
(20) Qualified health plan
The term “qualified health plan” has the meaning given such term in section 18021(a) of this title.
(21) Exchange
The term “Exchange” means an American Health Benefit Exchange established under section 18031 of this title.
(e) Definitions relating to markets and small employers
For purposes of this subchapter:
(1) Individual market
(A) In general
The term “individual market” means the market for health insurance coverage offered to individuals other than in connection with a group health plan.
(B) Treatment of very small groups
(i) In general
Subject to clause (ii), such terms 2 includes coverage offered in connection with a group health plan that has fewer than two participants as current employees on the first day of the plan year.
(ii) State exception
Clause (i) shall not apply in the case of a State that elects to regulate the coverage described in such clause as coverage in the small group market.
(2) Large employer
The term “large employer” means, in connection with a group health plan with respect to a calendar year and a plan year, an employer who employed an average of at least 51 employees on business days during the preceding calendar year and who employs at least 2 employees on the first day of the plan year.
(3) Large group market
The term “large group market” means the health insurance market under which individuals obtain health insurance coverage (directly or through any arrangement) on behalf of themselves (and their dependents) through a group health plan maintained by a large employer.
(4) Small employer
The term “small employer” means, in connection with a group health plan with respect to a calendar year and a plan year, an employer who employed an average of at least 1 but not more than 50 employees on business days during the preceding calendar year and who employs at least 1 employees 3 on the first day of the plan year.
(5) Small group market
The term “small group market” means the health insurance market under which individuals obtain health insurance coverage (directly or through any arrangement) on behalf of themselves (and their dependents) through a group health plan maintained by a small employer.
(6) Application of certain rules in determination of employer size
For purposes of this subsection—
(A) Application of aggregation rule for employers
all 4 persons treated as a single employer under subsection (b), (c), (m), or (o) of section 414 of title 26 shall be treated as 1 employer.
(B) Employers not in existence in preceding year
In the case of an employer which was not in existence throughout the preceding calendar year, the determination of whether such employer is a small or large employer shall be based on the average number of employees that it is reasonably expected such employer will employ on business days in the current calendar year.
(C) Predecessors
Any reference in this subsection to an employer shall include a reference to any predecessor of such employer.
(7) State option to extend definition of small employer
Notwithstanding paragraphs (2) and (4), nothing in this section shall prevent a State from applying this subsection by treating as a small employer, with respect to a calendar year and a plan year, an employer who employed an average of at least 1 but not more than 100 employees on business days during the preceding calendar year and who employs at least 1 employee on the first day of the plan year.
(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXVII, § 2791, as added Pub. L. 104–191, title I, § 102(a), Aug. 21, 1996, 110 Stat. 1972; amended Pub. L. 110–233, title I, § 102(a)(4), May 21, 2008, 122 Stat. 890; Pub. L. 111–148, title I, § 1563(b), (c)(16), formerly § 1562(b), (c)(16), title X, § 10107(b)(1), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 264, 269, 911; Pub. L. 114–60, § 2(b), Oct. 7, 2015, 129 Stat. 543; Pub. L. 114–255, div. C, title XVIII, § 18001(c)(1), Dec. 13, 2016, 130 Stat. 1344.)
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: References in Text
text: The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Part C of title XI of the Act is classified generally to part C (§ 1320d et seq.) of subchapter XI of chapter 7 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of this title and Tables.
Section 2701, referred to in subsecs. (a)(3) and (d)(15)(A), is a reference to section 2701 of act July 1, 1944. Section 2701, which was classified to section 300gg of this title, was renumbered section 2704, effective for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2014, with certain exceptions, and amended, by Pub. L. 111–148, title I, §§ 1201(2), 1563(c)(1), formerly § 1562(c)(1), title X, § 10107(b)(1), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 154, 264, 911, and was transferred to section 300gg–3 of this title. A new section 2701 of act July 1, 1944, related to fair health insurance premiums, was added, effective for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2014, and amended, by Pub. L. 111–148, title I, § 1201(4), title X, § 10103(a), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 155, 892, and is classified to section 300gg of this title.
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, referred to in subsec. (d)(4)(B), is Pub. L. 93–406, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 829, as amended. Part 6 of subtitle B of title I of the Act is classified generally to part 6 (§ 1161 et seq.) of subtitle B of subchapter I of chapter 18 of Title 29, Labor. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of Title 29 and Tables.
Section 2702, referred to in subsec. (d)(9), is a reference to section 2702 of act July 1, 1944. Section 2702, which was classified to section 300gg–1 of this title, was amended by Pub. L. 111–148, title I, § 1201(3), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 154, and was transferred to subsecs. (b) to (f) of section 300gg–4 of this title, effective for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2014. A new section 2702, related to guaranteed availability of coverage, was added by Pub. L. 111–148, title I, § 1201(4), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 156, effective for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2014, and is classified to section 300gg–1 of this title.
heading: Amendments
text: 2016—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 114–255 inserted at end “Except for purposes of part C of title XI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320d et seq.), such term shall not include any qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangement (as defined in section 9831(d)(2) of title 26).”
2015—Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 114–60, § 2(b)(1), substituted “51” for “101”.
Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 114–60, § 2(b)(2), substituted “50” for “100”.
Subsec. (e)(7). Pub. L. 114–60, § 2(b)(3), added par. (7).
2010—Subsec. (d)(20), (21). Pub. L. 111–148, § 1563(b), formerly § 1562(b), as renumbered by Pub. L. 111–148, § 10107(b)(1), added pars. (20) and (21).
Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 111–148, § 1563(c)(16)(A), formerly § 1562(c)(16)(A), as renumbered by Pub. L. 111–148, § 10107(b)(1), substituted “101” for “51”.
Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 111–148, § 1563(c)(16)(B), formerly § 1562(c)(16)(B), as renumbered by Pub. L. 111–148, § 10107(b)(1), substituted “100” for “50” and “at least 1” for “at least 2” in two places.
2008—Subsec. (d)(15) to (19). Pub. L. 110–233 added pars. (15) to (19).
heading: Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
heading: Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
text: Amendment by Pub. L. 114–255 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2016, see section 18001(c)(3) of Pub. L. 114–255, set out as a note under section 300bb–8 of this title.
heading: Effective Date of 2008 Amendment
text: Amendment by Pub. L. 110–233 applicable, with respect to group health plans and health insurance coverage offered in connection with group health plans, for plan years beginning after the date that is one year after May 21, 2008, and, with respect to health insurance coverage offered, sold, issued, renewed, in effect, or operated in the individual market, after the date that is one year after May 21, 2008, see section 102(d)(2) of Pub. L. 110–233, set out as a note under section 300gg–21 of this title.