) As used in this Section, the term >chemical dependency= means the pathological use or abuse of alcohol or other drugs in a manner, or to a degree, that produces an impairment in personal, social or occupational functioning and which may, but need not, include a pattern of tolerance and withdrawal.

(b) Every insurer that writes a policy or contract of group or blanket health insurance or group or blanket accident and health insurance that is issued, renewed or amended on or after January 1, 1999, shall offer to provide to its insureds benefits for the necessary care and treatment of chemical dependency that are not less favorable than benefits for physical illness generally. Except as provided in Subsection (c) of this Section, benefits for treatment of chemical dependency shall be subject to the same durational limits, dollar limits, deductibles and coinsurance factors as are benefits for physical illness generally.

(c) Every group policy or group contract of insurance that provides benefits for chemical dependency treatment and that provides total annual benefits for all illnesses in excess of Eight Thousand Dollars ($8,000.00) is subject to the following conditions:

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22 Guam Code Ann. BUSINESS REGULATIONS
CH. 28 PARITY IN HEALTH INSURANCE FOR MENTAL
ILLNESS AND CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY

(1) the policy or contract shall provide, for each twelve (12) month period, a minimum benefit of Eight Thousand Dollars ($8,000.00) for the necessary care and treatment of chemical dependency; and

(2) the policy or contract shall provide a minimum benefit of Sixteen Thousand Dollars ($16,000.00) for the necessary care and treatment of chemical dependency for the life of the policy or contract.

(d) Provisions for benefits for necessary care and treatment of chemical dependency in group policies or group contracts of insurance shall provide benefit payments for the following providers of necessary care and treatment of chemical dependency:

(1) Units of a general hospital:

a. chemical dependency units in facilities;

b. medical units;

c. psychiatric units; and

(2) The following facilities or programs:

a. chemical dependency units in psychiatric hospitals;

b. chemical dependency hospitals;

c. residential chemical dependency treatment facilities;

d. social setting detoxification facilities or programs;

e. medical detoxification or programs; and

(3) duly licensed physicians and duly licensed practicing psychologists and certified professionals working under the direct supervision of such physicians or psychologists in facilities described in Items (1) and (2) above, and in day/night programs or outpatient treatment facilities.

Provided, however, that nothing in this Subsection shall prohibit any policy or contract of insurance from requiring the most cost effective treatment setting to be utilized by the person undergoing necessary care and treatment for chemical dependency.

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22 Guam Code Ann. BUSINESS REGULATIONS
CH. 28 PARITY IN HEALTH INSURANCE FOR MENTAL
ILLNESS AND CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY

(e) Coverage for chemical dependency treatment as described in this Section shall not be applicable to any group policy holder or group contract holder who rejects the coverage in writing.