Section 1374.20 Of Article 5.5. Health Care Service Plan Coverage Contract Changes From California Health And Safety Code >> Division 2. >> Chapter 2.2. >> Article 5.5.
1374.20
. (a) No group health care service plan shall change the
premium rates or applicable copayments or coinsurances or deductibles
for the length of the contract, except as specified in subdivision
(b), during any of the following time periods:
(1) After the group contractholder has delivered written notice of
acceptance of the contract.
(2) After the start of the employer's annual open enrollment
period.
(3) After the receipt of payment of the premium for the first
month of coverage in accordance with the contract effective date.
(b) Changes to the premium rates or applicable copayments or
coinsurances or deductibles of a contract shall, subject to the plan
meeting the requirements of this article, be allowed in any of the
following circumstances:
(1) When authorized or required in the group contract.
(2) When the contract was agreed to under a preliminary agreement
that states that it is subject to execution of a definitive
agreement.
(3) When the plan and contractholder mutually agree in writing.