E. "Federally creditable coverage" does not include the following if it is offered as a separate policy, certificate or contract of insurance:

(1) Medicare supplemental health insurance under the Social Security Act, Section 1882(g)(1);

(2) Coverage supplemental to the coverage provided under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services, CHAMPUS, 10 United States Code, Chapter 55; and

(3) Similar supplemental coverage under a group health plan.

For purposes of this subsection, a "period of continuing federally creditable coverage" means a period in which an individual has maintained federally creditable coverage through one or more plans or programs, with no break in coverage exceeding 63 days. In calculating the aggregate length of a period of continuing federally creditable coverage that includes one or more breaks in coverage, only the time actually covered is counted. A waiting period is not counted as a break in coverage if, but is not counted as a period of actual coverage unless the individual has other federally creditable coverage during this period. For purposes of this subsection and subsection 1-C, "group health plan" has the same meaning as specified in the federal Public Health Service Act, Title XXVII, Section 2791(a).

PART I

Sec. I-1. 24-A MRSA §2744, sub-§§1 and 2, as amended by PL 2003, c. 65, §1 and affected by §5, are further amended to read:

1. Notwithstanding any provision of a health insurance policy subject to this chapter, whenever the policy provides for payment or reimbursement for services that are within the lawful scope of practice of a psychologist licensed to practice in this State; a certified social worker licensed for the independent practice of social work in this State who has at least a masters degree in social work from an accredited educational institution, has been employed in social work for at least 2 years, and who, after January 1, 1985, must be licensed as a clinical social worker in this State; a licensed clinical professional counselor licensed for the independent practice of counseling who has at least a masters degree in counseling from an accredited