No carrier shall be required by the provisions of this chapter:
- (a) To include in a health benefit plan an otherwise eligible employee or dependent, when the eligible employee or dependent does not work or reside within a carrier’s approved service area, except as provided in Section 10755.02.1.
- (b) To offer coverage to an eligible employee, as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 10755, who within 12 months of application for coverage terminated from a health benefit plan offered by the carrier.