California Code, Insurance Code - INS § 11023

A society may admit to benefit membership any person not less than 15 years of age at nearest birthday who has been examined by a legally qualified physician, and whose examination has been supervised and approved in accordance with the laws of the society, or who has made declaration of insurability acceptable to the society in accordance with its established underwriting standards.  Any such member who shall apply for additional benefits more than six months after becoming a benefit member shall pass an additional medical examination or make an additional declaration of insurability as required by the society.