[§431L-6]  Requirements for coverage of an
adopted child.  (a)  In any case in which a group health plan provides
coverage for dependent children of participants or beneficiaries, the plan
shall provide benefits to dependent children placed with participants or
beneficiaries for adoption under the same terms and conditions as apply to the
natural, dependent children of the participants and beneficiaries, irrespective
of whether the adoption has become final.



(b)  A group health plan may not restrict coverage
under the plan of any dependent child adopted by a participant or beneficiary,
or placed with a participant or beneficiary for adoption, solely on the basis
of a preexisting condition of the child at the time that the child would
otherwise become eligible for coverage under the plan, if the adoption or
placement for adoption occurs while the participant or beneficiary is eligible
for coverage under the plan.



(c)  As used in this section:



"Child" means, in connection with any
adoption, or placement for adoption, of the child, an individual who has not
attained the age of eighteen as of the date of such adoption or placement for
adoption.



"Placement for adoption" means the
assumption and retention by a person of a legal obligation for total or partial
support of a child in anticipation of the adoption of the child.  The child's
placement with a person terminates upon the termination of such legal
obligation. [L 1995, c 83, pt of §2]