17B:30-40 - Definitions, construction, regulations on notice of premium increase to employers - New Jersey Statutes

17B:30-40  Definitions, construction, regulations on notice of premium increase to employers.

5. a. As used in this section:

"Carrier"means any entity subject to the insurance laws and regulations of this State, or subject to the jurisdiction of the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, that contracts or offers to contract to provide, deliver, arrange for, pay for, or reimburse any of the costs of health care services, including an insurance company authorized to issue health insurance, a health maintenance organization, a hospital service corporation, medical service corporation and health service corporation, or any other entity providing a plan of health insurance, health benefits or health services.  The term "carrier" shall not include a joint insurance fund established pursuant to State law.

"Health benefits plan" means a health benefits plan as defined in section 2 of P.L.1997, c.192 (C.26:2S-2).

b.For the renewal of a health benefits plan for which the premium rate will increase, a carrier shall provide, in writing, 60 days' prior notice of the amount of the increase, to the employer that purchased that plan.

c.The provisions of this section shall not be construed to diminish the right of a carrier to negotiate with an employer that purchased a health benefits plan over the amount of any proposed increase in the premium rate for the renewal of that plan.

d.The Commissioner of Banking and Insurance shall promulgate regulations, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), necessary to effectuate the provisions of this section.

L.2003,c.27,s.5.