In this article, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a)  “Carrier” shall mean the health care service plan or other entity responsible for the payment of benefits or provision of services under a group contract.

(b)  “Dependent” shall have the meaning set forth in a contract.

(c)  “Discontinuance” shall mean the termination of the contract between the entire employer unit under a contract and the health care service plan, and does not refer to the termination of any agreement between any individual member under a contract and the health care service plan.

(d)  “Employee” shall mean all agents, employees, and members of unions or associations to whom benefits are provided under a contract.

(e)  “Extension of benefits” shall mean the continuation of coverage under a particular benefit provided under a contract following discontinuance with respect to an employee or dependent who is totally disabled on the date of discontinuance.

(f)  “Contract” shall mean any group health care service plan or contract subject to the provisions of this article.

(g)  “Contractholder” shall mean the entity to which a contract is issued.

(h)  “Dues” shall mean the consideration payable to the carrier.

(i)  “Replacement coverage” shall mean the benefits provided by a succeeding carrier.

(j)  “Totally disabled” shall have the meaning set forth in a contract.

(Amended by Stats. 1983, Ch. 126, Sec. 1.)