### Question
How does the law define affiliation period?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 300gg*, **affiliation period** is defined as:

> 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:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 300gg*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 6A-PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE > SUBCHAPTER XXV-REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE > Part A-Individual and Group Market Reforms > subpart 1-general reform**

