### Question
What does affiliation period mean?


### Answer
**Affiliation period** has the following meaning in *29 U.S.C. § 1181*:

> 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**

