On and after January 1, 1990, every insurer issuing group disability insurance which covers hospital, medical, or surgical expenses shall offer coverage for the treatment of alcoholism under such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon between the group policyholder and the insurer. Every insurer shall communicate the availability of such coverage to all group policyholders and to all prospective group policyholders with whom they are negotiating.
If the group subscriber or policyholder agrees to such coverage or to coverage for treatment of chemical dependency, or nicotine use, the treatment may take place in facilities licensed to provide alcoholism or chemical dependency services under Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 1250) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code.
Treatment for nicotine use may be subject to separate deductibles, copayments, and overall cost limitations as determined by the policy.
(Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 688, Sec. 2.)