33-35-103. Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Allowable benefit" means a benefit relating to medical, surgical, or hospital care in the event of sickness, accident, disability, or any combination of sickness, accident, or disability.

(2) (a) "Bona fide association" means an association of employers that has been in existence for a period of not less than 5 years prior to sponsoring a self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangement, during which time the association has engaged in substantial activities relating to the common interests of member employers, and that continues to engage in substantial activities in addition to sponsoring an arrangement.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (2)(a), an association that was formed and began sponsoring an arrangement prior to October 1, 1995, is not subject to the requirement that the association be in existence for 5 years prior to sponsoring an arrangement.

(3) "Claims liability" means the total of all incurred and unpaid claims for allowable benefits under a self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangement that are not reimbursed or reimbursable by excess of loss insurance, subrogation, or other sources.

(4) (a) "Multiple employer welfare arrangement" means a multiple employer welfare arrangement as defined by 29 U.S.C. 1002.

(b) The term does not include an arrangement, plan, program, or interlocal agreement of or between political subdivisions of this state, including school districts, as provided in 33-1-102.

(5) "Reserves" means the excess of the assets of a self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangement minus the liabilities of the arrangement. The liabilities of a self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangement include the claims liability of the arrangement.

(6) "Self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangement" or "arrangement" means a multiple employer welfare arrangement that does not provide for payment of benefits under the arrangement solely through a policy or policies of insurance issued by one or more insurance companies with a certificate of authority under this title.