2013 Maryland Code
INSURANCE
§ 15-1309 - Renewal of individual health benefit plans [Effective until January 1, 2014]

§15-1309.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a carrier shall renew an individual health benefit plan at the option of the eligible individual.

(b) A carrier may not cancel or refuse to renew an individual health benefit plan except:

(1) for nonpayment of the required premiums;

(2) where the individual has performed an act or practice that constitutes fraud;

(3) where the individual has made an intentional misrepresentation of material fact under the terms of the coverage;

(4) where the carrier elects not to renew all of its individual health benefit plans in the State in accordance with this article;

(5) where the individual no longer resides, lives, or works in the service area, provided that the coverage is terminated under this provision uniformly without regard to any health status-related factor of covered individuals; or

(6) where, in the case of health insurance coverage that is made available in the individual market only through one or more bona fide associations, the membership of the individual in the association ceases but only if such coverage is terminated under this paragraph uniformly without regard to any health status-related factor of covered individuals.

§ 15-1309 - Renewal of individual health benefit plans [Effective January 1, 2014]

(a) Option of eligible individual. -- Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a carrier shall renew an individual health benefit plan at the option of the eligible individual.

(b) Cancellation or refusal to renew. -- A carrier may not cancel or refuse to renew an individual health benefit plan except:

(1) for nonpayment of the required premiums;

(2) where the individual has performed an act or practice that constitutes fraud;

(3) where the individual has made an intentional misrepresentation of material fact under the terms of the coverage;

(4) where the carrier elects not to renew all of its individual health benefit plans in the State in accordance with this article;

(5) where the individual no longer resides, lives, or works in the service area, provided that the coverage is terminated under this provision uniformly without regard to any health status-related factor of covered individuals; or

(6) for individual health benefit plans that are not grandfathered health plans, as defined in 45 C.F.R. § 147.140, where a carrier discontinues offering a particular type of health benefit plan coverage in the individual market, if the carrier:

(i) at least 90 days before discontinuation of the coverage, provides notice of the discontinuation to each individual provided coverage of this type;

(ii) offers each individual provided coverage of this type the option to purchase any other individual health benefit plan coverage offered by the carrier for individuals in the State; and

(iii) acts uniformly without regard to any health status-related factor of enrolled individuals or individuals who may become eligible for the coverage.