Pursuant to the authority granted to the states under 42 U.S.C. § 300gg-22(a)(1), health insurance issuers that issue, sell, renew, or offer health benefit plans, as defined in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-3-167(a)(1), in the State in the individual or group market shall meet the requirements of Part A of Subchapter XXV of Chapter 6A of Title 42 of the United States Code and regulations issued thereunder. ?(2013-199, s. 24.)