                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

PREEXISTING CONDITIONS (§ 38.2-5204)

A. No long-term care insurance policy or certificate shall use a definition of
&#8220;preexisting condition&#8221; which is more restrictive than the
following: &#8220;preexisting condition&#8221; means the existence of symptoms
which would cause an ordinary prudent person to seek diagnosis, care or
treatment, or a condition for which medical advice or treatment was recommended
by, or received from a provider of health care services, within six months
preceding the effective date of coverage of an insured person.

B. No long-term care insurance policy may exclude coverage for a loss or
confinement which is the result of a preexisting condition for a period of
confinement longer than six months following the effective date of coverage of
an insured person.

C. The Commission may extend the limitation periods set forth in subsections A
and B of this section as to specific age group categories or specific policy
forms upon findings that the extension is in the best interest of the public.

D. The definition of &#8220;preexisting condition&#8221; does not prohibit an
insurer from using an application form designed to elicit the complete health
history of an applicant, and, on the basis of the answers on that application,
underwriting in accordance with that insurer&#8217;s established underwriting
standards for long-term care insurance policies. Unless otherwise provided in
the policy or certificate, a preexisting condition, regardless of whether it is
disclosed on the application, need not be covered until the waiting period
described in subsection A or B expires. No long-term care insurance policy or
certificate may exclude or use waivers or riders of any kind to exclude, limit,
or reduce coverage or benefits for specifically named or described preexisting
diseases or physical conditions beyond the waiting period described in
subsection A or B.

HISTORY: 1987, c. 586; 1990, c. 285.