§393-2  Findings and purpose.  The costof medical care in case of sudden need may consume all or an excessive part ofa person's resources.  Prepaid health care plans offer a certain measure ofprotection against such emergencies.  It is the purpose of this chapter in viewof the spiraling cost of comprehensive medical care to provide this type ofprotection for the employees in this State.  Although a large segment of thelabor force in the State already enjoys coverage of this type either by virtueof collective bargaining agreements, employer-sponsored plans, or individualinitiative, there is a need to extend that protection to workers who at presentdo not possess any or possess only inadequate prepayment coverage.

This chapter shall not be construed to diminishany protection already provided pursuant to collective bargaining agreements oremployer-sponsored plans that is more favorable to the employees benefitedthereby than the protection provided by this chapter or at least equivalentthereto, provided that presently existing collective bargaining agreementsshall not be affected by the provisions of this section. [L 1974, c 210, pt of§1; am L 1978, c 199, §1]