North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 58. Insurance § 58-55-5. Dual options

(a) No policy that conditions the eligibility of benefits on prior hospitalization may be delivered or issued for delivery in this State unless the insurer or other entity offering that policy also offers a policy that does not condition eligibility of benefits on such a requirement.

(b) Policies that were delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on and after October 1, 1989, that did not condition the eligibility of benefits on prior hospitalizations shall be amended, upon the insured's written request, to condition eligibility of benefits on prior hospitalization, provided that the insured receives the appropriate reduction in premium.