§ 2-115. Adoption of regulations in emergency.

   (a) Declaration of emergency. -- The Commissioner shall adopt regulations that may be applied when:

   (1) the Governor has declared a state of emergency for the State or an area within the State under § 14-107 of the Public Safety Article; or

   (2) the President of the United States has issued a major disaster or emergency declaration for the State or an area within the State under the federal Stafford Act.

(b) In general. -- The regulations may:

   (1) apply to any person regulated by the Commissioner under this article or Title 19, Subtitle 7 of the Health - General Article; and

   (2) address:

      (i) submission of claims or proof of loss;

      (ii) grace periods for payment of premiums and performance of other duties by insureds;

      (iii) temporary postponement of cancellations, nonrenewals, premium increases, or policy modifications;

      (iv) procedures for obtaining nonelective health care services;

      (v) time restrictions for filling or refilling prescription drugs;

      (vi) time frames applicable to an action by the Commissioner under this article; and

      (vii) any other activity necessary to protect the residents of the State.

(c) Activation of regulation. --

   (1) To activate a regulation adopted under this section, the Commissioner shall issue a bulletin specifying:

      (i) that the regulation is activated;

      (ii) the line or lines of business to which the regulation applies;

      (iii) the geographic areas to which the regulation applies; and

      (iv) the period of time for which the regulation applies.

   (2) A regulation activated under paragraph (1) of this subsection may not apply beyond the duration of, or the geographical area included within, the Governor's or President's declaration of a state of emergency or disaster.

   (3) The Commissioner:

      (i) shall provide a copy of the bulletin to the emergency contact designated by the person subject to the bulletin; and

      (ii) may post a copy of the bulletin on the Administration's Web site.

HISTORY: 2008, ch. 63; 2011, ch. 65, § 5.