(a) A health insurance plan shall provide coverage for diagnosis and medically necessary treatment, including surgical and nonsurgical procedures, for a musculoskeletal disorder that affects any bone or joint in the face, neck, or head and is the result of accident, trauma, congenital defect, developmental defect, or pathology. Subject to subsection (b) of this section, this coverage shall be the same as that provided under the health insurance plan for any other musculoskeletal disorder in the body and may be provided when prescribed or administered by a physician or a dentist. This section shall not be construed to require coverage for dental services for the diagnosis or treatment of dental disorders or dental pathology primarily affecting the gums, teeth, or alveolar ridge.

(b) A health insurance plan may require a referral from a health care provider under contract with the plan.

(c) As used in this section, "health insurance plan" means any health insurance policy or health benefit plan offered by a health insurer as defined in 18 V.S.A. § 9402. Health insurance plan includes any health benefit plan offered or administered by the State, or any subdivision or instrumentality of the State. (Added 1997, No. 95 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)