The agency prposal follows:

The sale of specified disease and/or critical illness coverage is permitted in 49 states, but currently prohibited in New Jersey. The Department of Banking and Insurance (Department) has a strong interest in protecting the citizens of this State, and in promoting access to various types of insurance products if a need exists and if the product offered has a value for consumers.

On February 23, 2000, the Commissioner of the Department held a public policy forum for the purpose of gathering information to make a determination as to whether and under what conditions the Department should permit the sale of specified disease and critical illness policies. The Department notified the public of the forum by several different methods, including posting on the Department's website; issuing a press release; and mailing the notice to several groups and individuals, including trade associations, consumer groups, groups representing senior citizens, other groups and individuals that appear on a list maintained by the Department, and other state regulators through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). As a result of oral testimony presented at the public forum, as well as written submissions, the Department has decided to propose rules that would permit the sale of such policies.

Because these policies will be available for the first time in New Jersey, the following overview is offered as part of this Summary.

These policies will only be available to persons who have coverage for comprehensive hospital and medical services and supplies. These policies are not expense incurred, and pay benefits upon the occurrence of a particular event (for example, hospitalization in a government hospital). The rules permit pre-existing conditions exclusions, which are a form of medical underwriting.

The proposed rules establish minimum benefits standards. Carriers may offer additional benefits, subject to the Department’s prior approval and review. The rules also contain a 75 percent minimum loss ratio requirement for group policies, and a 65 percent minimum loss ratio requirement for individual policies. These loss ratio requirements are consistent with those applied to Medicare Supplement policies. Policy fees will not be permitted because they are not included as premium in the loss ratio calculation and their use, therefore, reduces the effectiveness of the loss ratio requirement.

Appendix Exhibit B contains a report which requires carriers to submit to the Department a statistical breakdown of Statewide and nationwide data regarding paid losses. This reporting format is consistent with those utilized in the Medicare Supplement, Individual Health Coverage Program and Small Employers Health Benefit Program markets. The report is based on paid losses rather than incurred losses, and, therefore, information on reserves is unnecessary.

This proposed new rules set forth the standards applicable to the sale of specified disease and critical illness policies in New Jersey, and includes the following provisions:

N.J.A.C. 11:4-53.1 describes the purpose and scope of the new rule.

N.J.A.C. 11:4-53.2 contains definitions of terms used throughout the proposed subchapter.

N.J.A.C. 11:4-53.3 sets forth general standards that carriers must meet before issuing a specified disease or critical illness policy in this State.

N.J.A.C. 11:4-53.4 includes the minimum benefits that all specified disease policies must contain.

N.J.A.C. 11:4-53.5 includes minimum standards applicable to all critical illness policies.

N.J.A.C. 11:4-53.6 sets forth the minimum loss ratio standards for all specified disease and critical illness policies.

N.J.A.C. 11:4-53.7 describes the requirements applicable to carrier advertisements of specified disease and critical illness policies in this State.

The Appendix to the proposed new rules contains an outline of coverage form as Exhibit A to be issued by carriers along with a specified disease or critical illness policy. The Appendix also contains a calendar year experience data reporting form as Exhibit B described above, which carriers are to annually complete and submit to the Department.

The proposed new rules should have a favorable impact on the public and insurers. Insurers will now be permitted to sell a product that was previously prohibited in this State, and New Jersey consumers will be able to purchase a product that may enhance their underlying comprehensive medical coverage.

The proposed new rules may have a favorable economic impact on New Jersey consumers in that they will have the opportunity to purchase an insurance product that may provide financial assistance at a time when it is most needed. The proposed rule will also favorably impact insurers because it will permit them to offer for sale a product that was previously prohibited.

A Federal standards analysis is not required because the Department's proposed new rules are not subject to any Federal standards or requirements.

The Department does not anticipate that the proposed new rules will result in the generation or loss of jobs.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 4:1C-10.3, the Right to Farm Act, and N.J.S.A. 52:14B-4(a)(2)of the Administrative Procedure Act, the Department does not expect any agriculture impact from the proposed new rules.

A regulatory flexibility analysis is not necessary because the insurers subject to the requirements of the proposed new rules do not employ fewer than 100 full time employees, and therefore are not "small businesses" as that term is defined by the Regulatory Flexibility Act, N.J.S.A. 52:14B-16 et seq.

Full text of the proposed new rules follows:

11:4-53.1 Purpose and scope

1. (a) The purpose of this subchapter is to:

1. Permit the sale of specified disease and critical illness coverage in New Jersey;

2. Provide for reasonable standardization of coverage and the simplification of terms and benefits of specified disease and critical illness policies;

3. Facilitate comparison of specified disease and crittical illness policies in order to increase public understanding;

4. Prohibit policy provisions that may be misleading or confusing in connection with the purchase of specified disease and critical illness policies or with the settlement of claims;

5. Restrict provisions that may be contrary to the health care needs of the public;

6. Prohibit coverages that are so limited in scope as to be of no substantial economic value to the holders thereof; and

7. Provide for full disclosure in the sale of specified disease and critical illness policies.

(b) This subchapter shall apply to:

1. All specified disease policies and critical illness policies, as defined by this subchapter, delivered or issued for delivery in this State;

2. All certificates, as defined by this subchapter, issued under group specified disease or critical illness policies, which certificates have been delivered or issued for delivery in this State; and

3. All carriers, as defined in this subchapter, delivering or issuing for delivery specified disease or critical illness policies in this State, or delivering or issuing for delivery certificates in this State, which certificates were issued under a group specified disease or critical illness policy.

The following words and terms, as used in this subchapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Aggregate loss ratio" means the ratio of the accumulated value of past paid benefits (from the original effective date of the form to the date as of which the ratio is determined) and the present value of future paid benefits to the accumulated value of past paid premiums (from the original effective date of the form to the date as of which the ratio is determined) and the present value of future paid premiums. Benefits shall not be increased nor premiums reduced by actual or anticipated dividends, and interest shall be included in the accumulated and present values on the same basis as in the present values of the anticipated loss ratio. For purposes of this ratio, no reserves shall be included in the benefits or premiums.

"Anticipated loss ratio" means the ratio of the present value of the expected paid benefits, not including dividends, to the present value of the expected paid premiums, not reduced by dividends, over the entire period for which rates are computed to provide coverage. For purposes of this ratio, the present values must incorporate realistic rates of interest that are determined before Federal taxes but after investment expenses. Benefits and premiums shall be discounted from the year of payment, with reasonable assumptions as to time of payment within the year. For purposes of this ratio, no reserves shall be included in the benefits or premiums.

"Carrier" means any insurance company operating pursuant to N.J.S.A. 17B:17-1 et seq., or fraternal benefit society operating pursuant to N.J.S.A. 17:44-1 et seq., transacting or authorized to transact the business of health insurance in the State of New Jersey.

"Certificate" means a statement of the coverage and provisions of a policy of group specified disease or critical illness coverage, which has been delivered or issued for delivery in New Jersey, and includes riders, endorsements and enrollment forms, if any.

"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance.

"Critical illness coverage" means coverage that pays a level lump sum benefit upon diagnosis of a specified disease without payment of further benefits in connection with hospital and medical care for the treatment of the specified disease.

"Department" means the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance.

"Policy," "policy form," or "form" means any policy, contract, rider, certificate or other document that sets forth or summarizes the essential features of the coverage issued to an individual or group by a carrier.

"Specified disease coverage" means coverage that pays fixed-sum benefits on an indemnity non-expense incurred basis in connection with hospital or medical care for the treatment of a specifically named disease or diseases that are life threatening in nature.

(a) No carrier shall deliver or issue for delivery in this State any specified disease or critical illness policy unless its policy form, and its rates where required by N.J.S.A. 17B:26-1, have been approved by the Commissioner pursuant to the procedures set forth at N.J.A.C. 11:4-40.

(b) The following approval standards shall apply to all specified disease and critical illness policies delivered or issued for delivery in this State:

1. No policy shall be sold or offered for sale other than as specified disease or critical illness coverage pursuant to this subchapter.

2. Any policy that conditions payment upon pathological diagnosis of a covered disease shall also provide that if the pathological diagnosis is medically inappropriate or life threatening, a clinical diagnosis will be accepted instead.

3. An individual policy containing specified disease coverage shall be guaranteed renewable for life.

4. Except as permitted by N.J.S.A. 17B:26-19 regarding other insurance with this carrier, benefits shall be paid regardless of other coverage.

5. Except in the case of direct response carriers, no policy shall be delivered or issued for delivery in this State unless the outline of coverage form set forth as Exhibit A in the Appendix to this subchapter, incorporated herein by reference, describing the policy's benefits, limitations and exclusions, and anticipated loss ratio, is delivered to the applicant at the time application is made, and written acknowledgment of receipt or certification of delivery of such outline of coverage is provided to the carrier. Direct response carriers shall deliver the requisite outline of coverage no later than at the time the policy is issued or delivered.

6. The only permissible preexisting condition limitations are those that exclude coverage for no more than six months after the effective date of coverage under the policy, for a condition for which medical advice was given or treatment was recommended by, or received from, a licensed health care provider within the six-month period immediately preceding the effective date of coverage.

7. If a policy contains any limitations with respect to preexisting conditions, such limitations shall appear as a separate paragraph in the policy and shall be labeled as "Preexisting Condition Limitations."

8. The first page of every policy shall contain, in at least 14 point type but not less than the size of type used for policy captions, and in capital letters, a prominent statement, as follows: "THIS IS A LIMITED POLICY (OR CERTIFICATE). IT PAYS BENEFITS FOR (NAME OF SPECIFIED DISEASES) ONLY AND DOES NOT PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR ANY OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS. YOU SHOULD MAINTAIN SEPARATE COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH COVERAGE. READ THIS POLICY CAREFULLY WITH THE OUTLINE OF COVERAGE."

9. Application forms shall include a question to determine whether the applicant has other coverage providing benefits for hospital and medical services and supplies. If the applicant does not respond affirmatively to such question, the policy shall not be issued.

10. Every policy shall be issued only to persons who are covered by insurance that provides benefits for hospital and medical services and supplies.

11. No policy shall provide for a reduction of benefits upon attainment of any age or other condition, or upon the occurrence of any event(s).

12. No policy shall provide for a probationary or waiting period during which no coverage is provided under the policy.

13. Every policy shall have a notice prominently printed on the first page or attached thereto stating in substance that the insured shall have the right to return the policy within 30 days of its delivery and to have the premium or subscription charge or fees refunded if, after examination of the policy, the insured is not satisfied for any reason.

(a) Specified disease policies shall provide the following minimum benefits:

1. A fixed-sum benefit of at least $100.00 for each day of hospital confinement for at least 365 days; and

2. A fixed-sum benefit equal to at least one-half of the benefit for hospital confinement, for each day of hospital or non-hospital outpatient surgery or other medically appropriate outpatient treatment, including but not limited to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, for at least 365 days.

(b) Benefits for confinement in a skilled nursing home or for home health care are optional. If a policy provides these benefits, the policy shall provide a fixed sum benefit of at least one-fourth of the daily benefit amount payable for hospital confinement for each day of skilled nursing home confinement for at least 100 days, and for each day of home health care for at least 100 days.

(c) A lump sum payment at least equal to $1,000 may be made to cover non-medical costs such as travel, lodging, household costs, and other living expenses.

(d) Benefit payments shall begin with the first day of care or confinement after the effective date of coverage if the care or confinement is for a covered disease even though the diagnosis of the covered disease is made at some later date.

(e) No policy shall contain any requirement that the covered person under the policy must incur an expense in order for benefits to be paid.

(a) Benefit amounts shall only be available in increments of $1,000.

(b) The benefit shall be payable upon initial and medically appropriate diagnosis of a specified disease covered by the policy. There shall be no requirement that the insured survive for any period of time in order for the benefit to be payable.

(a) In order to assure that benefits are reasonable in relation to the premium charged, the minimum loss ratio for specified disease and critical illness policies shall be as follows;

1. For group policies, at least 75 percent;

2. For individual policies, at least 65 percent.

(b) With respect to filings of rate revisions for previously approved policy forms, benefits shall be deemed reasonable in relation to premiums if both the anticipated loss ratio and the aggregate loss ratio satisfy these loss ratio standards.

(c) Carriers shall include with the initial submission of rates for a new policy an actuarial memorandum which shall include the following:

1. The anticipated loss ratio;

2. The specific formulas and methodology used in calculating gross premiums;

3. An explanation and documentation supporting the premium assumptions;

4. The objective basis for rate differentials; and

5. A certification signed by the carrier's actuary that the information contained in the actuarial memorandum is appropriate and that the benefits provided are reasonable in relation to the premiums charged.

(d) The actuarial memorandum submitted to the Department pursuant to (c) above shall be confidential and shall not be considered a public record or disclosed by the Department to any person.

(e) Carriers shall submit for filing with the Commissioner annually on or before June 30 one report for each policy form for which policies issued in New Jersey remain inforce in accordance with the applicable reporting form set forth as Exhibit B in the Appendix to this subchapter, incorporated hereiin by reference.

(f) If the loss ratio for a policy, based on a substantial volume of reasonably mature business, does not meet the standards set forth in (a) above, the carrier shall be required to explain why the premium should not be regarded as unreasonably high in relation to the benefits provided. After consideration of the explanation and any additional information furnished by the carrier, the Department shall inform the carrier if the benefits provided are considered unreasonable in relation to the premium charged. If within 90 days thereafter the carrier does not reduce the premium or increase the benefits provided in the policy such that the standards set forth in (a) above are met, the Department may take action and/or impose penalties as may be appropriate pursuant to law. Such action may include the Department's requiring that an independent audit of the carrier's loss ratio be conducted at the carrier's expense.

(a) Every carrier delivering or issuing for delivery specified disease and critical illness policies or certificates in this State shall file with the Commissioner a copy of all advertisements to which residents of this State shall have access, and through which the carrier intends, or by implication purports to the reasonable targeted consumer its intent to make its specified disease or critical illness product(s) available for purchase or enrollment in this State, whether through written, radio, television or other electronic media, at least 30 days prior to the date on which the advertisement is to be used in this State, or made accessible to residents of this State.

(b) All advertisements shall comply with the standards set forth at N.J.A.C. 11:2-11 (the Department's Rules Governing Advertisement of Health Insurance) and any other disclosure and advertising rules which may be applicable to carriers.

(c) The Commissioner may disapprove an advertisement at any time if the advertisement is not in compliance with this section or is in violation of N.J.S.A. 17B:30-1 et seq. (the Trade Practices and Discriminations Act). An advertisement which has been disapproved by the Commissioner shall not be utilized until disapproval is withdrawn by the Commissioner.

inoregs/bbNYSDC

Appendix

Exhibit A