On and after January 1, 1991, every health care service plan, except a specialized health care service plan, that covers hospital, medical, or surgical expenses on a group basis shall offer coverage as an option for special footwear needed by persons who suffer from foot disfigurement under such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon between the group contract holder and the plan.

As used in this section, foot disfigurement shall include, but not be limited to, disfigurement from cerebral palsy, arthritis, polio, spinabifida, diabetes, and foot disfigurement caused by accident or developmental disability.

(Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1680, Sec. 1.)