The national guide covers group underwriting, master contracts and certificates, federal COBRA, coordination of benefits and conversion. Georgia's group A&S provisions are in O.C.G.A. 33-30-4. Its state continuation and conversion rules are in 33-24-21.1 and 33-24-21.2. Notably, Georgia lets members who are 60 or older keep group coverage after continuation ends.

Group policy provisions (33-30-4)

• Representations: unless there is fraud or intentional misrepresentation, the policyholder's statements are representations, not warranties.
• Certificates: the sponsor holds the master policy. Each member gets a certificate summarizing coverage and who receives benefits.
• Grace period: at least 31 days after the first premium.

State continuation (33-24-21.1)

• Eligibility: a member continuously covered for at least six months before coverage ended.
• Length: the rest of the policy month plus three more policy months, on payment of premium.
• Not available when:
  • employment ended for cause
  • the member didn't pay a required contribution
  • similar group coverage immediately replaces it
• Conversion notice: the administrator tells members to use their conversion rights within 30 days of the notice. Qualifying eligible individuals have 63 days.

Age 60 continuation (33-24-21.2)

• A member who was 60 or older when federal or state continuation began may keep the group coverage after that continuation runs out, subject to exceptions such as voluntarily dropping it for reasons other than health.

Notices to members (33-24-47.1)

• Cancellation for nonpayment: each affected member is notified within 14 days after the grace period ends, with a statement of continuation or conversion rights.
• Nonrenewal: notice must give at least 60 days before it takes effect.

Exam traps

• Georgia's state continuation is short: the rest of the month plus 3 months, for members covered at least 6 months.
• Members 60+ may continue beyond federal or state continuation.
• Group grace period: 31 days. Member notice after a nonpayment lapse: 14 days. Group nonrenewal: 60 days.