In 2022, the office shall convene a public hearing on cost trends no later than October 1st. Beginning in 2023, the office shall convene an annual public hearing no later than October 1st on cost trends and barriers to health care affordability. The hearing must provide an opportunity for public comment on health care cost trends and, beginning in 2023, on barriers to health care affordability. The executive director shall preside over the hearing. [PL 2021, c. 518, §2 (AMD).]