§ 10235.30

(a) No insurer may deliver or issue for delivery a long-term care policy in this state unless the insurer offers at the time of application an option to purchase a shortened benefit period nonforfeiture benefit with the following features:

(1) Eligibility begins no later than after 10 years of premium payments.

(2) The lifetime maximum benefit is no less than the dollar equivalent of three months of care at the nursing facility per diem benefit contained in the policy or the amount of the premiums paid, whichever is greater.

(3) The same benefits covered in the policy and any riders at the time eligibility begins are payable for a qualifying claim.

(4) The lifetime maximum benefit may be reduced by the amount of any claims already paid.

(5) Cash back, extended term, and reduced paid-up forms of nonforfeiture benefits shall not be allowed.

(6) The lifetime maximum benefit amount increases proportionally with the number of years of premium payment.

(b) This section shall not apply to life insurance policies that accelerate benefits for long-term care.

(Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 947, Sec. 11. Effective January 1, 2000.)