Miss. Code § 83-9-5
As used in this section, the term "insurer" means a health maintenance organization, an insurance company or any other entity responsible for the payment of benefits under a policy or contract of accident and sickness insurance; however, the term "insurer" shall not mean a liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator or receiver or third-party administrator of any health maintenance organization, insurance company or other entity responsible for the payment of benefits which is in liquidation, rehabilitation or conservation proceedings, nor shall it mean any responsible guaranty association. Further, no cause of action shall accrue against a liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator or receiver or third-party administrator of any health maintenance organization, insurance company or other entity responsible for the payment of benefits which is in liquidation, rehabilitation or conservation proceedings or any responsible guaranty association under paragraph (h)3 of this subsection or any policy provision in accordance therewith.
Entire contract; changes: This policy, including the endorsements and the attached papers, if any, constitutes the entire contract of insurance. No change in this policy shall be valid until approved by an executive officer of the insurer and unless such approval be endorsed hereon or attached hereto. No agent has authority to change this policy or to waive any of its provisions.
Time limit on certain defenses:
(The foregoing policy provision shall not be so construed as to effect any legal requirement for avoidance of a policy or denial of a claim during such initial two-year period, nor to limit the application of subsection (2)(a) and (2)(b) of this section in the event of misstatement with respect to age or occupation.)
(A policy which the insured has the right to continue in force subject to its terms by the timely payment of premium (1) until at least age fifty (50) or, (2) in the case of a policy issued after age forty-four (44), for at least five (5) years from its date of issue, may contain in lieu of the foregoing the following provision (from which the clause in parentheses may be omitted at the insurer's option) under the caption "INCONTESTABLE":
After this policy has been in force for a period of two (2) years during the lifetime of the insured (excluding any period during which the insured is disabled), it shall become incontestable as to the statements in the application.)
Grace period:
A grace period of seven (7) days for weekly premium policies, ten (10) days for monthly premium policies and thirty-one (31) days for all other policies will be granted for the payment of each premium falling due after the first premium, during which grace period the policy shall continue in force.
(A policy which contains a cancellation provision may add, at the end of the above provision, "subject to the right of the insurer to cancel in accordance with the cancellation provision hereof."
A policy in which the insurer reserves the right to refuse any renewal shall have, at the beginning of the above provision, "unless not less than five (5) days prior to the premium due date the insurer has delivered to the insured or has mailed to his last address as shown by the records of the insurer written notice of its intention not to renew this policy beyond the period for which the premium has been accepted.")
Reinstatement:
If any renewal premium be not paid within the time granted the insured for payment, a subsequent acceptance of premium by the insurer or by any agent duly authorized by the insurer to accept such premium, without requiring in connection therewith an application for reinstatement, shall reinstate the policy. However, if the insurer or such agent requires an application for reinstatement and issues a conditional receipt for the premium tendered, the policy will be reinstated upon approval of such application by the insurer or, lacking such approval, upon the forty-fifth day following the date of such conditional receipt unless the insurer has previously notified the insured in writing of its disapproval of such application. The reinstated policy shall cover only loss resulting from such accidental injury as may be sustained after the date of reinstatement and loss due to such sickness as may begin more than ten (10) days after such date. In all other respects the insured and insurer shall have the same rights thereunder as they had under the policy immediately before the due date of the defaulted premium, subject to any provisions endorsed hereon or attached hereto in connection with the reinstatement. Any premium accepted in connection with a reinstatement shall be applied to a period for which premium has not been previously paid, but not to any period more than sixty (60) days prior to the date of reinstatement. (The last sentence of the above provision may be omitted from any policy which the insured has the right to continue in force subject to its terms by the timely payment of premiums (1) until at least age fifty (50) or, (2) in the case of a policy issued after age forty-four (44), for at least five (5) years from its date of issue.)
Notice of claim:
Written notice of claim must be given to the insurer within thirty (30) days after the occurrence or commencement of any loss covered by the policy, or as soon thereafter as is reasonably possible. Notice given by or on behalf of the insured or the beneficiary to the insurer at ________________ (insert the location of such office as the insurer may designate for the purpose), or to any authorized agent of the insurer, with information sufficient to identify the insured, shall be deemed notice to the insurer.
(In a policy providing a loss of time benefit which may be payable for at least two (2) years, an insurer may, at its option, insert the following between the first and second sentences of the above provision: "Subject to the qualifications set forth below, if the insured suffers loss of time on account of disability for which indemnity may be payable for at least two (2) years, he shall, at least once in every six (6) months after having given notice of claim, give to the insurer notice of continuance of said disability, except in the event of legal incapacity. The period of six (6) months following any filing of proof by the insured or any payment by the insurer on account of such claim or any denial of liability, in whole or in part, by the insurer shall be excluded in applying this provision. Delay in the giving of such notice shall not impair the insured's right to any indemnity which would otherwise have accrued during the period of six (6) months preceding the date on which such notice is actually given.")
Claim forms:
The insurer, upon receipt of a notice of claim, will furnish to the claimant such forms as are usually furnished by it for filing proofs of loss. If such forms are not furnished within fifteen (15) days after the giving of such notice, the claimant shall be deemed to have complied with the requirements of this policy as to proof of loss upon submitting, within the time fixed in the policy for filing proofs of loss, written proof covering the occurrence, the character and the extent of the loss for which claim is made.
Proofs of loss:
Written proof of loss must be furnished to the insurer at its said office, in case of claim for loss for which this policy provides any periodic payment contingent upon continuing loss, within ninety (90) days after the termination of the period for which the insurer is liable, and in case of claim for any other loss, within ninety (90) days after the date of such loss. Failure to furnish such proof within the time required shall not invalidate or reduce any claim if it was not reasonably possible to give proof within such time, provided such proof is furnished as soon as reasonably possible and in no event, except in the absence of legal capacity, later than one (1) year from the time proof is otherwise required.
Time of payment of claims:
A clean claim does not include any of the following:
Not later than twenty-five (25) days after the date the insurer actually receives an electronic claim, the insurer shall pay the appropriate benefit in full, or any portion of the claim that is clean, and notify the provider (where the claim is owed to the provider) or the insured (where the claim is owed to the insured) of the reasons why the claim or portion thereof is not clean and will not be paid and what substantiating documentation and information is required to adjudicate the claim as clean. Not later than thirty-five (35) days after the date the insurer actually receives a paper claim, the insurer shall pay the appropriate benefit in full, or any portion of the claim that is clean, and notify the provider (where the claim is owed to the provider) or the insured (where the claim is owed to the insured) of the reasons why the claim or portion thereof is not clean and will not be paid and what substantiating documentation and information is required to adjudicate the claim as clean. Any claim or portion thereof resubmitted with the supporting documentation and information requested by the insurer shall be paid within twenty (20) days after receipt.
For purposes of this provision, the term "pay" means that the insurer shall either send cash or a cash equivalent by United States mail, or send cash or a cash equivalent by other means such as electronic transfer, in full satisfaction of the appropriate benefit due the provider (where the claim is owed to the provider) or the insured (where the claim is owed to the insured). To calculate the extent to which any benefits are overdue, payment shall be treated as made on the date a draft or other valid instrument was placed in the United States mail to the last known address of the provider (where the claim is owed to the provider) or the insured (where the claim is owed to the insured) in a properly addressed, postpaid envelope, or, if not so posted, or not sent by United States mail, on the date of delivery of payment to the provider or insured.
Payment of claims:
Indemnity for loss of life will be payable in accordance with the beneficiary designation and the provisions respecting such payment which may be prescribed herein and effective at the time of payment. If no such designation or provision is then effective, such indemnity shall be payable to the estate of the insured. Any other accrued indemnities unpaid at the insured's death may, at the option of the insurer, be paid either to such beneficiary or to such estate. All other indemnities will be payable to the insured. When payments of benefits are made to an insured directly for medical care or services rendered by a health care provider, the health care provider shall be notified of such payment. The notification requirement shall not apply to a fixed-indemnity policy, a limited benefit health insurance policy, medical payment coverage or personal injury protection coverage in a motor vehicle policy, coverage issued as a supplement to liability insurance or workers' compensation. If the insured provides the insurer with written direction that all or a portion of any indemnities or benefits provided by the policy be paid to a licensed health care provider rendering hospital, nursing, medical or surgical services, then the insurer shall pay directly the licensed health care provider rendering such services; provided, however, licensed health care provider shall not include those in the practice of dentistry. That payment shall be considered payment in full to the provider, who may not bill or collect from the insured any amount above that payment, other than the deductible, coinsurance, copayment or other charges for equipment or services requested by the insured that are noncovered benefits. Any dispute between a provider and the insured arising under these provisions regarding assignment of benefits and billing may be resolved by the Commissioner of Insurance. The Commissioner of Insurance shall adopt any rules and regulations necessary to enforce these provisions regarding assignment of benefits and billing.
(The following provision may be included with the foregoing provision at the option of the insurer: "If any indemnity of this policy shall be payable to the estate of the insured, or to an insured or beneficiary who is a minor or otherwise not competent to give a valid release, the insurer may pay such indemnity, up to an amount not exceeding $______________ (insert an amount which must not exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00)), to any relative by blood or connection by marriage of the insured or beneficiary who is deemed by the insurer to be equitably entitled thereto. Any payment made by the insurer in good faith pursuant to this provision shall fully discharge the insurer to the extent of such payment.")
Physical examinations:
The insurer at his own expense shall have the right and opportunity to examine the person of the insured when and as often as it may reasonably require during the pendency of a claim hereunder.
Legal actions:
No action at law or in equity shall be brought to recover on this policy prior to the expiration of sixty (60) days after written proof of loss has been furnished in accordance with the requirements of this policy. No such action shall be brought after the expiration of three (3) years after the time written proof of loss is required to be furnished.
Change of beneficiary:
Unless the insured makes an irrevocable designation of beneficiary, the right to change the beneficiary is reserved to the insured, and the consent of the beneficiary or beneficiaries shall not be requisite to surrender or assignment of this policy, or to any change of beneficiary or beneficiaries, or to any other changes in this policy.
(The first clause of this provision, relating to the irrevocable designation of beneficiary, may be omitted at the insurer's option.)
Change of occupation:
If the insured be injured or contract sickness after having changed his occupation to one classified by the insurer as more hazardous than that stated in this policy or while doing for compensation anything pertaining to an occupation so classified, the insurer will pay only such portion of the indemnities provided in this policy as the premium paid would have purchased at the rates and within the limits fixed by the insurer for such more hazardous occupation. If the insured changes his occupation to one classified by the insurer as less hazardous than that stated in this policy, the insurer, upon receipt of proof of such change of occupation, will reduce the premium rate accordingly, and will return the excess pro rata unearned premium from the date of change of occupation or from the policy anniversary date immediately preceding receipt of such proof, whichever is the most recent. In applying this provision, the classification of occupational risk and the premium rates shall be such as have been last filed by the insurer prior to the occurrence of the loss for which the insurer is liable, or prior to date of proof of change in occupation, with the state official having supervision of insurance in the state where the insured resided at the time this policy was issued; but if such filing was not required, then the classification of occupational risk and the premium rates shall be those last made effective by the insurer in such state prior to the occurrence of the loss or prior to the date of proof of change in occupation.
Misstatement of age:
If the age of the insured has been misstated, all amounts payable under this policy shall be such as the premium paid would have purchased at the correct age.
Relation of earnings to issuance:
If the total monthly amount of loss of time benefits promised for the same loss under all valid loss of time coverage upon the insured, whether payable on a weekly or monthly basis, shall exceed the monthly earnings of the insured at the time disability commenced or his average monthly earnings for the period of two (2) years immediately preceding a disability for which claim is made, whichever is the greater, the insurer will be liable only for such proportionate amount of such benefits under this policy as the amount of such monthly earnings or such average monthly earnings of the insured bears to the total amount of monthly benefits for the same loss under all such coverage upon the insured at the time such disability commences and for the return of such part of the premiums paid during such two (2) years as shall exceed the pro rata amount of the premiums for the benefits actually paid hereunder; but this shall not operate to reduce the total monthly amount of benefits payable under all such coverage upon the insured below the sum of Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) or the sum of the monthly benefits specified in such coverages, whichever is the lesser, nor shall it operate to reduce benefits other than those payable for loss of time.
(The foregoing policy provision may be inserted only in a policy which the insured has the right to continue in force subject to its terms by the timely payment of premiums (1) until at least age fifty (50) or, (2) in the case of a policy issued after age forty-four (44), for at least five (5) years from its date of issue. The insurer may, at its option, include in this provision a definition of "valid loss of time coverage," approved as to form by the commissioner, which definition shall be limited in subject matter to coverage provided by governmental agencies or by organizations subject to regulations by insurance law or by insurance authorities of this or any other state of the United States or any province of Canada, or to any other coverage the inclusion of which may be approved by the commissioner, or any combination of such coverages. In the absence of such definition, such term shall not include any coverage provided for such insured pursuant to any compulsory benefit statute (including any workers' compensation or employer's liability statute), or benefits provided by union welfare plans or by employer or employee benefit organizations.)
Unpaid premium:
Upon the payment of a claim under this policy, any premium then due and unpaid or covered by any note or written order may be deducted therefrom.
Cancellation:
The insurer may cancel this policy at any time by written notice delivered to the insured, or mailed to his last address as shown by the records of the insurer, stating when, not less than five (5) days thereafter, such cancellation shall be effective; and after the policy has been continued beyond its original term, the insured may cancel this policy at any time by written notice delivered or mailed to the insurer, effective upon receipt or on such later date as may be specified in such notice. In the event of cancellation, the insurer will return promptly the unearned portion of any premium paid. If the insured cancels, the earned premium shall be computed by the use of the short-rate table last filed with the state official having supervision of insurance in the state where the insured resided when the policy was issued. If the insurer cancels, the earned premium shall be computed pro rata. Cancellation shall be without prejudice to any claim originating prior to the effective date of cancellation.
Conformity with state statutes:
Any provision of this policy which, on its effective date, is in conflict with the statutes of the state in which the insured resides on such date is hereby amended to conform to the minimum requirements of such statutes.
Illegal occupation:
The insurer shall not be liable for any loss to which a contributing cause was the insured's commission of or attempt to commit a felony or to which a contributing cause was the insured's being engaged in an illegal occupation.
Intoxicants and narcotics:
The insurer shall not be liable for any loss sustained or contracted in consequence of the insured's being intoxicated or under the influence of any narcotic unless administered on the advice of a physician.
Miss. Code § 83-9-5