(A) An individual may not act as a representative of a discount medical plan organization without the discount medical plan organization having registered with the department in accordance with § 37-17-40(A). A marketer may not act on behalf of a discount medical plan organization without a discount medical plan organization having registered with the department. Registration as a representative or marketer must be made to the department in writing or electronically through a list provided by the discount medical plan organization in accordance with § 37-17-40(C).

(B) The discount medical plan organization shall furnish information concerning the representative’s identity and business address. Filings are good for one year and run from February first until January thirty-first. The annual renewal period begins January first and ends January thirty-first.

Terms Used In South Carolina Code 37-17-50

  • Department: means the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs. See South Carolina Code 37-17-20
  • Discount medical plan organization: means an entity that, in exchange for fees, dues, charges, or other consideration, provides access for customers to providers of health care services and the right to receive health care services from those providers at a discount. See South Carolina Code 37-17-20
  • Marketer: means a corporation, partnership, or other business entity including, but not limited to, a health maintenance organization, an insurance company, or third party payor, who sells, markets, promotes, advertises, or distributes a discount medical plan or other purchasing mechanism or device that purports to offer discounts or access to discounts from the health care providers described in item (3) in this State on behalf of a discount medical plan organization. See South Carolina Code 37-17-20
  • Representative: means an individual who is designated by a discount medical plan organization, as defined in this section, and acts or aids on behalf of the discount medical plan organization in the solicitation, negotiation, or renewal of a discount medical plan with respect to South Carolina citizens. See South Carolina Code 37-17-20

(C) Representative or marketer status may be denied or revoked if the department has multiple founded complaints against the representative or marketer following the department’s investigation or if the department has unanswered or unresolved complaints against the representative or marketer. Violations of Title 37 within ten years may serve as grounds for denial or revocation of registration status.