(a) If a health benefit plan provides for automatic discontinuation of coverage when a premium or subscription charge due under the plan is not paid before the expiration of a grace period specified in the plan for that payment, the carrier or other entity responsible for making premium payments or for submitting premiums or subscription charges to the carrier is liable, on the submission of a valid claim, for a loss that is:
(1) covered by the plan; and
(2) incurred before the expiration of the grace period.
(b) The commissioner may adopt reasonable rules necessary to implement this section.