33-22-1808. Establishment of classes of business. (1) A small employer carrier may establish a separate class of business only to reflect substantial differences in expected claims experience or administrative costs that are related to the following reasons:

Terms Used In Montana Code 33-22-1808

  • Carrier: means any person who provides a health benefit plan in this state subject to state insurance regulation. See Montana Code 33-22-1803
  • Class of business: means all or a separate grouping of small employers established pursuant to 33-22-1808. See Montana Code 33-22-1803
  • Small employer: means a person, firm, corporation, partnership, or bona fide association that is actively engaged in business and that, with respect to a calendar year and a plan year, employed at least two but not more than 50 eligible employees during the preceding calendar year and employed at least two employees on the first day of the plan year. See Montana Code 33-22-1803
  • Small employer carrier: means a carrier that offers health benefit plans that cover eligible employees of one or more small employers in this state. See Montana Code 33-22-1803

(a)The small employer carrier uses more than one type of system for the marketing and sale of health benefit plans to small employers.

(b)The small employer carrier has acquired a class of business from another small employer carrier.

(c)The small employer carrier provides coverage to one or more association groups that meet the requirements of 33-22-501(2).

(2)A small employer carrier may establish up to nine separate classes of business under subsection (1).

(3)The commissioner shall adopt rules to provide for a period of transition in order for a small employer carrier to come into compliance with subsection (2) in the case of acquisition of an additional class of business from another small employer carrier.

(4)The commissioner may approve the establishment of additional classes of business upon application to the commissioner and a finding by the commissioner that the action would enhance the fairness and efficiency of the small employer health insurance market.