1. (a)

   1. (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
   2. (2) “Individual Exchange” has the meaning stated in § 31-101 of this article.
   3. (3) “Qualified health plan” has the meaning stated in § 31-101 of this article.
   4. (4) “Qualified individual” has the meaning stated in § 31-101 of this article.
2. (b) This section applies to a qualified health plan that is issued on or after January 1, 2014, by a carrier through the Individual Exchange.

3. (c) A qualified health plan subject to this section shall include a grace period provision applicable to a qualified individual who:

   1. (1) is receiving advance payments of federal premium tax credits; and
   2. (2) fails to pay premiums timely.

4. (d) The grace period provision shall:

   1. (1) provide a grace period of 3 consecutive months after the initial premium payment to begin coverage has been paid;
   2. (2) apply to qualified health plans renewed in accordance with § 15-1309 of this subtitle without the qualified individual having to pay the first month's premium following renewal; and
   3. (3) be in addition to any other grace period provision required by any other applicable State law.

5. (e) During the grace period, a carrier that issues a qualified health plan subject to this section:

   1. (1) shall pay all appropriate claims for services rendered to the qualified individual during the first month of the grace period;
   2. (2) may pend claims for services rendered to the qualified individual in the second and third months of the grace period;
   3. (3) shall notify the federal Department of Health and Human Services that the qualified individual is in the grace period; and
   4. (4) shall notify providers of the possibility that claims may be denied when a qualified individual is in the second and third months of the grace period.

Added by Acts 2013, c. 368, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2014. Amended by Acts 2016, c. 122, § 1, eff. June 1, 2016.