26.1-45-06. Pre-existing conditions

26.1-45-06. Pre-existing conditions 1. No long-term care insurance policy or certificate other than a policy or certificate issued to a group as defined in subdivision a of subsection 3 of section 26.1-45-01 may define "pre-existing condition" as more restrictive than meaning 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. 2. No long-term care insurance policy or certificate issued on a group long-term care insurance policy other than a policy or certificate issued to a group as defined in subdivision a of subsection 3 of section 26.1-45-01 may exclude coverage for a loss or confinement that is the result of a pre-existing condition unless the loss or confinement begins within six months following the effective date of coverage of an insured person. 3. The commissioner may extend the limitation periods set forth in this section as to the specific age group categories or specific policy forms upon findings that the extension is in the best interest of the public. 4. The limitation on defining a pre-existing condition 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, from underwriting in accordance with that insurer's established underwriting standards. Unless otherwise provided in the policy or certificate, a pre-existing condition, regardless of whether it is disclosed on the application, need not be covered until the waiting period described in subsection 2 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 pre-existing diseases or physical conditions beyond the waiting period described in subsection 2.