No. 36635 (Amendment): Rule R590-167. Individual, Small Employer, and Group Health Benefit Plan Rule

(Amendment)

DAR File No.: 36635
Filed: 08/10/2012 09:40:40 AM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

This rule is being updated as a result of legislative changes in H.B. 2003, Insurance Amendments, passed in the 2011 Second Special Session and H.B. 144, Health System Reform Amendments, passed in the 2012 General Session. Other changes are being made to clarify rate filing procedures, and limit carriers from requesting future trend increases less often than once every 12 months, which will help keep the consumer's premiums rates more closely related to current medical trend.

Summary of the rule or change:

The changes being submitted: 1) require insurers to submit their rate method changes separate from their rate manual updates which is a rating method change; 2) update the reference to "Subsection 31A-30-106.1(9)" to "(13)" as a result of H.B. 2003; 3) add an allowance for gender rating in Medicare coordination, and wellness programs as a result of legislative changes in H.B. 2003 and H.B. 144; 4) revise age band ratio for 5:1 to reference Subsection 31A-30-1063.1(8) as a result of H.B. 2003; 5) limit health trend increases in a rate manual filing to a maximum period of 12 months; 6) require insurers to submit additional documentation when submitting a rate manual filing including a list of affiliated insurers, class of business definition with approval dates and filing number and additional information required for a effective rate review as required by the federal government; 7) add a requirement that specific items included in a rate manual filing are considered a public record; and 8) eliminate the Enforcement Date section since no waiting period will be required before the changes to this rule will be enforced.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Subsection 31A-2-201(3)(a)
• Subsection 31A-30-106.1(10)
• Subsection 31A-30-106(1)(k)

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

It should be noted that there are 40 insurers that sell health benefit plans in Utah. Additional filing fees could result for insurers as a result of the changes in this rule. However, all of them will go to SERFF, a national organization that handles insurance rate filings. All filings are electronic and designated employees in the department will review the additional filings once they are filtered through SERFF. The additional work load will not require additional help or employees.

local governments:

This will not affect local governments since it deals solely with the relationship between the department and its licensees.

small businesses:

This rule only impacts insurance companies. It will have no impact, fiscal or otherwise on small employers.

persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

Forty insurers sell health benefit plans in Utah. They are the ones this rule is focused on. Insurers who previously filed their rating method changes and rate manual updates as one filing will now be required to file them separately, which will cost them an additional $15. Also, health benefit plan insurers will be required to file their Limited Trend Increases for a maximum period of 12 months for a maximum fee of $15, depending on their filing volume. Insurers who filed them for a longer period of time, say 5 years for $15 will be required to file at least annually for $15 each year. These filings are done electronically.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

Forty insurers sell health benefit plans in Utah. They are the ones this rule is focused on. Insurers who previously filed their rating method changes and rate manual updates as one filing will now be required to file them separately, which will cost them an additional $15. Also, health benefit plan insurers will be required to file their Limited Trend Increases for a maximum period of 12 months for a maximum fee of $15, depending on their filing volume. Insurers who filed them for a longer period of time, say 5 years for $15 will be required to file at least annually for $15 each year. These filings are done electronically.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

The changes to this rule will have a minimal impact on health insurers that sell health benefit plans.

Neal T. Gooch, Commissioner

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Insurance
Administration
Room 3110 STATE OFFICE BLDG
450 N MAIN ST
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-1201

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• Jilene Whitby at the above address, by phone at 801-538-3803, by FAX at 801-538-3829, or by Internet E-mail at [e-mail]

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

10/01/2012

This rule may become effective on:

10/08/2012

Authorized by:

Jilene Whitby, Information Specialist

RULE TEXT

R590. Insurance, Administration.

R590-167. Individual, Small Employer, and Group Health Benefit Plan Rule.

R590-167-2. Definitions.

In addition to the definitions in Sections 31A-1-301 and 31A-30-103, the following definitions shall apply for the purposes of this rule:

(1) "Associate member of an employee organization" means any individual who participates in an employee benefit plan, as defined in 29 U.S.C. Section 1002(1), that is a multi-employer plan, as defined in 29 U.S.C. Section 1002(37A), other than the following:

(a) an individual, or the beneficiary of such individual, who is employed by a participating employer within a bargaining unit covered by at least one of the collective bargaining agreements under or pursuant to which the employee benefit plan is established or maintained; or

(b) an individual who is a present or former employee, or a beneficiary of such employee, of the sponsoring employee organization, of an employer who is or was a party to at least one of the collective bargaining agreements under or pursuant to which the employee benefit plan is established or maintained, or of the employee benefit plan, or of a related plan.

(2) "Change in a Rating Factor" means the cumulative change with respect to such factor considered over a 12 month period. If a covered carrier changes rating factors with respect to more than one case characteristic in a 12 month period, the carrier shall consider the cumulative effect of all such changes in applying the 10% test.

(3) "Change in Rating Method" means:

(a) a change in the number of case characteristics used by a covered carrier to determine premium rates for health benefit plans in a class of business;

(b) a change in the manner or procedures by which insureds are assigned into categories for the purpose of applying a case characteristic to determine premium rates for health benefit plans in a class of business;

(c) a change in the method of allocating expenses among health benefit plans in a class of business; or

(d) a change in a rating factor with respect to any case characteristic if the change would produce a change in premium for any individual or small employer that exceeds 10%.

(4) "New entrant" means an eligible employee, or the dependent of an eligible employee, who becomes part of an employer group after the initial period for enrollment in a health benefit plan.

(5) "Risk characteristic" means a rating factor other than a case characteristic allowed under [Section]Sections 31A-30-106 or 31A-30-106.1, as applicable, including exact age, gender, family composition, the health status, claims experience, duration of coverage, or any similar characteristic related to the demographics or the health status or experience of an individual, a small employer or of any member of a small employer.

(6) "Risk load" means the percentage above the applicable base premium rate that is charged by a covered carrier to a covered insured to reflect the risk characteristics of the covered individuals.

 

R590-167-5. Transition for Assumptions of Business from Another Carrier.

(1)(a) A covered carrier may not transfer or assume the entire insurance obligation, risk, or both of a health benefit plan covering an individual or a small employer in this state unless:

(i) the transaction has been approved by the commissioner of the state of domicile of the assuming carrier;

(ii) the transaction has been approved by the commissioner of the state of domicile of the ceding carrier;

(iii) the carrier has provided notice to the commissioner of this state at least 60 days prior to the date of the proposed assumption. The notice shall contain the information specified in Subsection R590-167-5(1)(c)(i) for the health benefit plans covering individuals and small employers in this state; and

(iv) the transaction otherwise meets the requirements of this section.

(b) A carrier domiciled in this state that proposes to assume or cede the entire insurance obligation , risk, or both of one or more health benefit plans covering covered individuals from or to another carrier shall make a filing for approval with the commissioner at least 60 days prior to the date of the proposed assumption. The commissioner may approve the transaction, if the commissioner finds that the transaction is in the best interests of the individuals insured under the health benefit plans to be transferred and is consistent with the purposes of the Act and this rule. The commissioner may not approve the transaction until at least 30 days after the date of the filing; except that, if the carrier is in hazardous financial condition, the commissioner may approve the transaction as soon as the commissioner deems reasonable after the filing.

(c)(i) The filing required under Subsection R590-167-5(1)(b) shall:

(A) describe the class of business, including any eligibility requirements, of the ceding carrier from which the health benefit plans will be ceded;

(B) describe whether the assuming carrier intends to maintain the assumed health benefit plans as a separate class of business, pursuant to Subsection R590-167-5(3), or will incorporate them into an existing class of business, pursuant to Subsection R590-167-5(4). If the assumed health benefit plans will be incorporated into an existing class of business, the filing shall describe the class of business of the assuming carrier into which the health benefit plans will be incorporated;

(C) describe whether the health benefit plans being assumed are currently available for purchase by individuals or small employers;

(D) describe the potential effect of the assumption, if any, on the benefits provided by the health benefit plans to be assumed;

(E) describe the potential effect of the assumption, if any, on the premiums for the health benefit plans to be assumed;

(F) describe any other potential material effects of the assumption on the coverage provided to the individuals and small employers covered by the health benefit plans to be assumed; and

(G) include any other information required by the commissioner.

(ii) A covered carrier required to make a filing under Subsection R590-167-5(1)(b) shall also make an informational filing with the commissioner of each state in which there are individual or small employer health benefit plans that would be included in the transaction. The informational filing to each state shall be made concurrently with the filing made under Subsection R590-167-5(1)(b) and shall include at least the information specified in Subsection R590-167-5(1)(c)(i) for the individual or small employer health benefit plans in that state.

(d)(i) If the assumption of a class of business would result in the assuming covered carrier being out of compliance with the limitations related to premium rates contained in Sections 31A-30-106 or 31A-30-106.1, the assuming carrier shall make a filing with the commissioner pursuant to Subsection 31A-30-105(3) seeking an extended transition period.

(ii) An assuming carrier seeking an extended transition period may not complete the assumption of health benefit plans covering individuals or small employers in this state unless the commissioner grants the extended transition period requested pursuant to Subsection R590-167-5(1)(d)(i).

(iii) Unless a different period is approved by the commissioner, an extended transition period shall, with respect to an assumed class of business, be for no more than 15 months and, with respect to each individual small employer, shall last only until the anniversary date of such employer's coverage, except that the period with respect to an individual small employer may be extended beyond its first anniversary date for a period of up to 12 months if the anniversary date occurs within three months of the date of assumption of the class of business.

(2)(a) Except as provided in Subsection R590-167-5(2)(b), a covered carrier may not cede or assume the entire insurance obligation, risk, or both for an individual or small employer health benefit plan unless the transaction includes the ceding to the assuming carrier of the entire class of business which includes such health benefit plan.

(b) A covered carrier may cede less than an entire class of business to an assuming carrier if:

(i) one or more individuals or small employers in the class have exercised their right under contract or state law to reject, either directly or by implication, the ceding of their health benefit plans to another carrier. In that instance, the transaction shall include each health benefit plan in the class of business except those health benefit plans for which an individual or a small employer has rejected the proposed cession; or

(ii) after a written request from the transferring carrier, the commissioner determines that the transfer of less than the entire class of business is in the best interests of the individual or small employers insured in that class of business.

(3) A covered carrier that assumes one or more health benefit plans from another carrier and intends to maintain such health benefit plans as a separate class of business, shall submit a filing requesting approval to establish a separate class of business as provided in Subsection R590-167-4(3). The assumption shall not take place prior to approval of the request by the commissioner.

(4) A covered carrier that assumes one or more health benefit plans from another carrier and intends to incorporate them into an existing class of business shall comply with the following provisions:

(a) Upon assumption of the health benefit plans, such health benefit plans shall be maintained temporarily as a separate class of business, deemed to be approved by the commissioner under Subsection 31A-30-105(2)(b)(ii). A covered carrier may exceed the limitation contained in Subsection 31A-30-105(4) due solely to such assumption.

(b) During the 15-month period following the assumption, each of the assumed individual or small employer health benefit plans shall be transferred by the assuming covered carrier into a single class of business operated by the assuming covered carrier. The assuming covered carrier shall select the class of business into which the assumed health benefit plans will be transferred in a manner such that the transfer results in the least possible change to the benefits and rating method of the assumed health benefit plans.

(c) The transfers authorized in Subsection R590-167-5(4)(b) shall occur with respect to each individual or small employer on the anniversary date of the individual's or small employer's coverage, except that the period with respect to an individual small employer may be extended beyond its first anniversary date for a period of up to 12 months if the anniversary date occurs within three months of the date of assumption of the class of business.

(d) A covered carrier making a transfer pursuant to Subsection R590-167-5(4)(b) may alter the benefits of the assumed health benefit plans to conform to the benefits currently offered by the carrier in the class of business into which the health benefit plans have been transferred.

(e) The premium rate for an assumed individual or small employer health benefit plan may not be modified by the assuming covered carrier until the health benefit plan is transferred pursuant to Subsection R590-167-5(4)(b). Upon transfer, the assuming covered carrier shall calculate a new premium rate for the health benefit plan from the rate manual established for the class of business into which the health benefit plan is transferred. In making such calculation, the risk load applied to the health benefit plan shall be no higher than the risk load applicable to such health benefit plan prior to the assumption.

(f) During the 15 month period provided in this subsection, the transfer of individual or small employer health benefit plans from the assumed class of business in accordance with this subsection may not be considered a violation of Subsections 31A-30-106(3)(a) or 31A-30-106.1(8)(a), as applicable.

(5) An assuming carrier may not apply eligibility requirements, including minimum participation and contribution requirements, with respect to an assumed health benefit plan, or with respect to any health benefit plan subsequently offered to an individual or small employer covered by such an assumed health benefit plan, that are more stringent than the requirements applicable to such health benefit plan prior to the assumption.

(6) The commissioner may approve a longer period of transition under Subsection R590-167-5(4) upon application of a covered carrier. The application shall be made within 60 days after the date of assumption of the class of business and shall clearly state the justification for a longer transition period.

(7) Nothing in this section or in the Act is intended to:

(a) reduce or diminish any legal or contractual obligation or requirement, including any obligation provided in Section 31A-14-213, of the ceding or assuming carrier related to the transaction;

(b) authorize a carrier that is not admitted to transact the business of insurance in this state to offer or insure health benefit plans in this state; or

(c) reduce or diminish the protections related to an assumption reinsurance transaction provided in Section 31A-14-213 or otherwise provided by law.

 

R590-167-6. Restrictions Relating to Premium Rates.

(1) A covered carrier shall develop a separate rate manual for each class of business. Base premium rates and new business premium rates charged to individuals and small employers by the covered carrier shall be computed solely from the applicable rate manual developed pursuant to this subsection. To the extent that a portion of the premium rates charged by a covered carrier is based on the carrier's discretion, the manual shall specify the criteria and factors considered by the carrier in exercising such discretion.

(2)(a) A covered carrier may not modify the rating method, as defined in Section R590-167-2, used in the rate manual for a class of business until the change has been approved as provided in this subsection. The commissioner may approve a change to a rating method if the commissioner finds that the change is reasonable, actuarially appropriate, and consistent with the purposes of the Act and this rule.

(b) A carrier may modify the rating method for a class of business only after filing an actuarial certification. The filing shall clearly request approval for a change in rating method and contain at least the following information:

(i) the reasons the change in rating method is being requested;

(ii) a complete description of each of the proposed modifications to the rating method;

(iii) a description of how the change in rating method would affect the premium rates currently charged to individuals and small employers in the class of business, including an estimate from a qualified actuary of the number of groups or individuals, and a description of the types of groups or individuals, whose premium rates may change by more than 10% due to the proposed change in rating method, not including general increases in premium rates applicable to all individuals and small employers in a health benefit plan;

(iv) a certification from a qualified actuary that the new rating method would be based on objective and credible data and would be actuarially sound and appropriate;[ and]

(v) a certification from a qualified actuary that the proposed change in rating method would not produce premium rates for individuals and small employers that would be in violation of Sections 31A-30-106, 31A-30-106.1, and 31A-30-106.5[.]; and

(vi) a request for approval for a change in rating method must be submitted as a separate filing. The filing description must state in the first line of the first paragraph, "REQUEST FOR APPROVAL FOR CHANGE IN RATING METHOD."

(3) The rate manual developed pursuant to Subsections 31A-30-106(4), 31A-30-106.1(13)[(9)], and R590-167-6(1) shall specify the case characteristics and rate factors to be applied by the covered carrier in establishing premium rates for the class of business.

(a) A covered carrier offering a health benefit plan to an individual may not use case characteristics other than those specified in Subsection 31A-30-106(1)(f) without the prior approval of the commissioner. A covered carrier seeking such an approval shall make a filing with the commissioner for a change in rating method under Subsection R590-167-6(2)(b). Tobacco use is not an allowable case characteristic. Tobacco use is an allowable risk characteristic when utilized in compliance with Subsection 31A-30-106(1)(b).

(b)(i) A covered carrier offering or renewing a health benefit plan to a small employer[ on or after January 1, 2011], may not use case characteristics other than:

(A) age band, as specified in Subsection 31A-30-106.1(6)(a), applicable to the age of the employee;

(B) geographic area;

(C) family composition tier, as specified in Subsection 31A-30-106.1(6)(c);[and]

(D) [for plans issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2011,] gender[of the employee or the spouse], as specified in in Subsection 31A-30-106.1(6)(d);

(E) Medicare coordination, as specified in Subsection 31A-30-106.1(6)(e); and

(F) wellness programs, as specified in Subsection 31A-30-106.1(6)(f).

(ii) For any geographic area used as a case characteristic by a covered carrier, base rates for any small employer health benefit plan [offered or renewed on or after January 1, 2011 ]shall be subject to the following limitations:

(A) for any age band, the ratio of the base rate for the family tier to the base rate for employee only tier, shall not exceed [5]the ratio in Subsection 31A-30-106.1(8); and

(B) for any family composition tier, the ratio of the base rate for any age band to the base rate for "less than 20" age band, may not exceed the following:

(I) 1.22 for age band 20 to 24;

(II) 1.34 for age band 25 to 29;

(III) 1.46 for age band 30 to 34;

(IV) 1.60 for age band 35 to 39;

(V) 1.80 for age band 40 to 44;

(VI) 2.20 for age band 45 to 49;

(VII) 2.80 for age band 50 to 54;

(VIII) 3.60 for age band 55 to 59;

(IX) 4.25 for age band 60 to 64; and

(X) 5.00 for age band over 65.

(c) A covered carrier shall use the same case characteristics in establishing premium rates for each health benefit plan in a class of business and shall apply them in the same manner in establishing premium rates for each such health benefit plan. Case characteristics shall be applied without regard to the risk characteristics of an individual or small employer.

(d) The rate manual shall clearly illustrate the relationship among the base premium rates charged for each health benefit plan in the class of business. If the new business premium rate is different than the base premium rate for a health benefit plan, the rate manual shall illustrate the difference.

(e) Differences among base premium rates for health benefit plans shall be based solely on the reasonable and objective differences in the design and benefits of the health benefit plans and may not be based in any way on the nature of an individual or small employer that choose or are expected to choose a particular health benefit plan. A covered carrier shall apply case characteristics and rate factors within a class of business in a manner that assures that premium differences among health benefit plans for identical individuals or small employers vary only due to reasonable and objective differences in the design and benefits of the health benefit plans and are not due to the nature of the individuals or small employers that choose or are expected to choose a particular health benefit plan.

(f) The rate manual shall provide for premium rates to be developed in a two[] -step process.

(i) In the first step, a base premium rate shall be developed for the individual or small employer without regard to any risk characteristics. The base rates shall reflect only the allowable case characteristics. The base rates for an individual health benefit plan offered to two individuals with the same case characteristics shall be identical. The base rates for a small employer health benefit plan offered to two small employer groups with the same case characteristics shall be identical.

(ii) In the second step, the resulting base premium rate may be adjusted by a risk load, subject to the provisions of Sections 31A-30-106, 31A-30-106.1, and 31A-30-106.5, to reflect the risk characteristics.

(g) Each rate manual developed pursuant to Subsection R590-167-6(1) shall be maintained by the carrier for a period of six years. Updates and changes to the manual shall be maintained with the manual.

(4)(a) Except as provided in Subsection R590-167-6(4)(b), a premium charged to an individual or small employer for a health benefit plan may not include a separate application fee, underwriting fee, or any other separate fee or charge.

(b) A carrier may charge a separate fee with respect to an individual or small employer health benefit plan, but only one fee with respect to such plan, provided the fee is no more than $5 per month per individual or employee and is applied in a uniform manner to each health benefit plan in a class of business.

(5) The restrictions related to changes in premium rates in Subsections 31A-30-106(1)(c) and 31A-30-106.1(3) shall be applied as follows:

(a) A covered carrier shall revise its rate manual each rating period to reflect changes in base premium rates and changes in new business premium rates.

(b)(i) If, for any health benefit plan with respect to any rating period, the percentage change in the new business premium rate is less than or the same as the percentage change in the base premium rate, the change in the new business premium rate shall be deemed to be the change in the base premium rate for the purposes of Subsections 31A-30-106(1)(c) and 31A-30-106.1(3).

(ii) If, for any health benefit plan with respect to any rating period, the percentage change in the new business premium rate exceeds the percentage change in the base premium rate, the health benefit plan shall be considered a health benefit plan into which the covered carrier is no longer enrolling new individuals or small employers for the purposes of Subsections 31A-30-106(1)(c) and 31A-30-106.1(3).

(iii) Trend increases are limited to a 12-month period. If an insurer chooses to use trend in the rate manual, a new filing must be submitted for each 12-month period. The detailing of the rate calculation must specify how trend is being implemented, by plan or calendar year, and how the rates are determined.

(c) If, for any rating period, the change in the new business premium rate for a health benefit plan differs from the change in the new business premium rate for any other health benefit plan in the same class of business by more than 20%, the carrier shall make a filing with the commissioner containing a complete explanation of how the respective changes in new business premium rates were established and the reason for the difference. The filing shall be made 30 days before the beginning of the rating period.

(d) A covered carrier shall keep on file for a period of at least six years the calculations used to determine the change in base premium rates and new business premium rates for each health benefit plan for each rating period.

(6)(a) Except as provided in Subsection R590-167-6(6)(b), a change in premium rate for an individual or small employer shall produce a revised premium rate that is no more than the following:

(i) the base premium rate for the individual or small employer, as shown in the rate manual as revised for the rating period, multiplied by:

(ii) one plus the sum of:

(iii) the risk load applicable to the individual or small employer during the previous rating period; and

(iv) 15% prorated for periods of less than one year.

(b) In the case of a health benefit plan into which a covered carrier is no longer enrolling new individuals or small employers, a change in premium rate for an individual or small employer shall produce a revised premium rate that is no more than the following:

(i) the base premium rate for the individual or small employer, given its present composition and as shown in the rate manual in effect for the individual or small employer at the beginning of the previous rating period, multiplied by:

(ii) one plus the lesser of:

(A) the change in the base rate; or

(B) the percentage change in the new business premium for the most similar health benefit plan into which the covered carrier is enrolling new individuals or small employers, multiplied by:

(iii) one plus the sum of:

(A) the risk load applicable to the individual or small employer during the previous rating period; and

(B) 15%, prorated for periods of less than one year.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsections R590-167-6(6)(a) and (b), a change in premium rate for an individual or small employer may not produce a revised premium rate that would exceed the limitations on rates provided in Subsections 31A-30-106(1)(b) and 31A-30-106.1(2)(b).

(7)(a) A representative of a Taft Hartley trust, including a carrier upon the written request of such a trust, may file in writing with the commissioner a request for the waiver of application of the provisions of Subsections 31A-30-106.1(1) through 31A-30-106.1(6) with respect to such trust.

(b) A request made under Subsection R590-167-6(7)(a) shall identify the provisions for which the trust is seeking the waiver and shall describe, with respect to each provision, the extent to which application of such provision would:

(i) adversely affect the participants and beneficiaries of the trust; and

(ii) require modifications to one or more of the collective bargaining agreements under or pursuant to which the trust was or is established or maintained.

(c) A waiver granted under Subsection 31A-30-104(5) shall not apply to an individual who participates in the trust because the individual is an associate member of an employee organization or the beneficiary of such an individual.

 

R590-167-9. Restrictive Riders.

A restrictive rider, endorsement or other provision that violates the provisions of [Subsection]Section 31A-30-107.5 may not remain in force. A covered carrier shall immediately provide written notice to those individuals or small employers whose coverage will be changed pursuant to this section.

 

R590-167-10. Status of Carriers as Covered Carriers.

(1) Prior to marketing a health benefit plan, a carrier shall make a filing with the commissioner indicating whether the carrier intends to operate as a covered carrier in this state under the terms of the Act and of this rule. Such filing will indicate if the covered carrier intends to market to individuals, small employers or both, and be signed by an officer of the company.

(2) Except as provided by Subsection R590-167-10(3), a carrier may not offer health benefit plans to individuals, small employers, or continue to provide coverage under health benefit plans previously issued to individuals or small employers in this state, unless the filing provided pursuant to Subsection R590-167-10(1) indicates that the carrier intends to operate as a covered carrier in this state.

(3) If a carrier does not intend to operate as a covered carrier in this state, the carrier may continue to provide coverage under health benefit plans previously issued to individuals and small employers in this state only if the carrier complies with the following provisions:

(a) the carrier complies with the requirements of the Act with respect to each of the health benefit plans previously issued to individuals and small employers by the carrier;

(b) the carrier provides coverage to each new entrant to a health benefit plan previously issued to an individual or small employer by the carrier;

(c) the carrier complies with the requirements of Sections 31A-30-106 and 31A-30-106.1 and this rule as they apply to individuals and small employers whose coverage has been terminated by the carrier and to individuals and small employers whose coverage has been limited or restricted by the carrier; and

(d) the carrier files a letter of intent indicating the carrier does not intend to operate as a covered carrier in this state and will maintain the business in compliance with the Act and this rule.

(4) If the filing made pursuant Subsection R590-167-10(3) indicates that a carrier does not intend to operate as a covered carrier in this state, the carrier shall be precluded from operating as a covered carrier in this state, except as provided for in Subsection R590-167-10(3), for a period of five years from the date of the filing. Upon a written request from such a carrier, the commissioner may reduce the period provided for in the previous sentence if the commissioner finds that permitting the carrier to operate as a covered carrier would be in the best interests of the individuals and small employers in the state.

 

R590-167-11. Actuarial Certification and Additional Filing Requirements.

(1) Actuarial Certification.

(a) An actuarial certification shall be filed annually and meet the requirements of Subsections 31A-30-106(4)(b) or 31A-30-106.1(9)(b), or both, as applicable, and the following:

(i) the actuarial certification shall be a written statement that meets the requirements of Title 31A Chapter 30, R590-167, and the applicable standards of practice as promulgated by the Actuarial Standards Board;

(ii) the actuary must state that he or she meets the qualifications of Subsection 31A-30-103(1);

(iii) the actuarial certification shall :

(A) contain the following statement: "I, (name), certify that (name of covered carrier) is in compliance with the provisions of Title 31A Chapter 30, and R590-167, based upon the examination of (name of covered carrier), including review of the appropriate records and of the actuarial assumptions and methods utilized by (name of covered carrier) in establishing premium rates for applicable health benefit plans;"[ and]

(B)[(iv)] [the actuarial certification shall] list and describe each written demonstration used by the actuary to establish compliance with Title 31A Chapter 30 and R590-167[.]; and

(C) include a list of all affiliated insurers, define each class of business which includes the commissioner's approval date if more than one class of business exists, and the SERFF filing number for each applicable rate manual filing.

(b) The actuarial certification shall be filed no later than April 1 of each year.

(2) Rating Manual.

(a) For every health benefit plan subject to the Act and this rule, the carrier shall file with the commissioner a copy of the applicable rating manual, for both new business and renewal rates, which includes:

(i) signed certification by an actuary that to the best of the actuary's knowledge and judgment the rate filing is in compliance with the applicable laws and rules of the State of Utah;

(ii) a complete and detailed description of how the final premium, including any fees, is calculated from the rating manual;

(iii) all changes and updates, which includes a complete and detailed description of how the final premium, including any fees, is calculated from the rating manual;[ and]

(iv) a description of the carrier's classes of business as described in Subsection R590-167-4(1);

(v) all information required by 45 CFR 154.215(b)(1);

(vi) for a rate increase subject to review as required by 45 CFR 154.200(a)(1), all information required by 45 CFR 154.215(b)(2); and

(vii) all information required by the Utah Accident and Health Comprehensive Health Insurance Rate Filing Checklist.

(b) The rate manual shall be filed:

(i) with an initial product filing; or

(ii) within 30 days prior to use for an existing health benefit plan.

(3) Index Premium Rates.

(a) A small employer carrier shall file annually the index premium rate information required by [Section]Subsection 31A-29-117(2). The report shall include:

(i) the small employer index premium rate as of January 1 of the previous year;

(ii) the small employer index premium rate as of January 1 of the current year; and

(iii) the average percentage change in the index premium rate as of January 1 of the current and preceding year.

(b) The information described in Subsection R590-167-11(3)(a) shall be filed no later than February 1 of each year.

 

R590-167-12. Records.

(1) Except as provided in Subsection R590-167-12(2), records[Records] submitted to the commissioner under this rule shall be maintained by the commissioner as protected records under Title 63G, Chapter 2, Government Records Access and Management Act.

(2) The commissioner finds the following to be considered a public record as defined in Subsection 63G-2-103:

(a) the status of a filing described herein and submitted to the department; and

(b) all information submitted as required by Subsections R590-167-11(2)(v) and (vi), and R590-220-10(2)(b)(iii)(I).

 

R590-167-13. Penalties.

A person found, after a hearing or other regulatory process, to be in violation of this rule shall be subject to penalties as provided under Section 31A-2-308.

 

R590-167-14. [Enforcement Date.

The commissioner will begin enforcing the revised provisions of this rule 45 days after the effective date.

 

R590-167-15. ]Severability.

If any provision of this rule or the application of it to any person or circumstance is, for any reason, held to be invalid, the remainder of the rule and the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances will not be affected by the invalid provision.

 

KEY: health insurance

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [June 15, 2011]2012

Notice of Continuation: September 10, 2009

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 31A-30-106; 31A-30-106.1

 

---