Authorized variation of minimum participation and contributions; denial of coverage based on industry prohibited.
1. A carrier serving small employers may vary the application of requirements for minimum participation of eligible employees and minimum employer’s contributions only by the size of the small employer’s group.
2. In applying requirements for minimum participation with respect to a small employer, a carrier shall not consider employees or dependents who have creditable coverage when determining whether the applicable percentage of participation is met, but may consider employees or dependents who have coverage under another health benefit plan that is sponsored by the employer.
3. A carrier shall not deny an application for coverage solely because the applicant works in a certain industry.
4. After a small employer has been accepted for coverage, a carrier shall not increase any requirement for minimum employee participation or modify any requirement for minimum employer contribution applicable to the small employer.
Last modified: February 27, 2006