(Formerly Sec. 38-262b). Mandatory coverage for the treatment of medical complications of alcoholism

(a) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, each group health insurance policy providing coverage of the type specified in subdivisions (1), (2), (4), (11) and (12) of section 38a-469 shall provide coverage for expenses incurred in connection with medical complications of alcoholism pursuant to diagnosis or recommendation by a physician licensed pursuant to the provisions of chapter 370. As used in this section, “medical complications of alcoholism” means such diseases as cirrhosis of the liver, gastrointestinal bleeding, pneumonia, and delirium tremens. (b) Medical complications of alcoholism shall be recognized to the extent specified in the contract for confinement for any other disease. (c) A group health insurance policy providing coverage of the type specified in subdivisions (1), (2), (4), (11) and (12) of section 38a-469 may exclude the benefits required by this section if such benefits are included in a separate policy issued to the same group by an insurance company, health care center, hospital service corporation, medical service corporation or fraternal benefit society. Such separate policy, which shall include the benefits required by this section, shall not be required to include any other benefits mandated by this title. (d) The provisions of this section shall apply to any group health insurance policy delivered or issued for delivery, renewed or continued in this state on and after January 1, 2000, and to any group health insurance policy which is thereafter amended to substantially alter or change benefits or coverages.