### Question
How is the term affiliation period defined?


### Answer
The term **affiliation period** is defined in *29 U.S.C. § 1181* as the following:

> a period which, under the terms of the health insurance coverage offered by the health maintenance organization, must expire before the health insurance coverage becomes effective

#### Citation:
  - *29 U.S.C. § 1181*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 18-EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY PROGRAM > SUBCHAPTER I-PROTECTION OF EMPLOYEE BENEFIT RIGHTS > Subtitle B-Regulatory Provisions > part 7-group health plan requirements > Subpart A-Requirements Relating to Portability, Access, and Renewability**

