Definitions

As used in this chapter, the term: 753 31-15A-3 (1) ‘‘Accident and sickness insurance benefit plan, policy, or contract’’ has the meaning provided by paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of Code Section 33-24-28.1, provided that such term shall not include a limited benefit insurance policy as defined in paragraph (4) of subsection (f ) of Code Section 33-30-12. (2) ‘‘Bone mass measurement’’ means a radiologic or radioisotopic procedure or other technologies approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and performed on an individual for the purpose of identifying bone mass or detecting bone loss. (3) ‘‘Qualified individual’’ means an: (A) Estrogen-deficient woman or individual at clinical risk of osteoporosis as determined directly or indirectly by a physician and who is considering treatment; (B) Individual with osteoporotic vertebral abnormalities; (C) Individual receiving long-term glucocorticoid (steroid) therapy; (D) Individual with primary hyperparathyroidism; or (E) Individual being monitored directly or indirectly by a physician to assess the response to or efficacy of approved osteoporosis drug therapies. History. — Code 1981, § 31-15A-2, enacted by Ga. L. 1998, p. 877, § 2. 31-15A-3. Insurance benefit plan shall provide coverage for bone mass measurement; education. (a) Every group or individual accident or sickness insurance benefit plan, policy, or contract that provides hospital, medical, or surgical coverage that is issued, amended, delivered, or renewed in this state on or after July 1, 1998, shall make available as a part of the plan, policy, or contract or as an optional endorsement to the plan, policy, or contract coverage for qualified individuals for reimbursement for scientifically proven bone mass measurement (bone density testing) for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis. (b) Every person or entity providing an accident or sickness insurance benefit plan, policy, or contract which is subject to the provisions of subsection (a) of this Code section shall identify and use scientifically accurate educational materials to increase patient awareness and knowledge of osteoporosis and encourage the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. 754 History. — Code 1981, § 31-15A-3, enacted by Ga. L. 1998, p. 877, § 2.