WAC 284-43-0270. Market conduct requirements related to grandfathered status

(1) An issuer may allow a group covered by grandfathered health insurance coverage to add new employees to its health benefit plan, and move employees between benefit options at open enrollment without affecting grandfathered status, as long as the group's plan does not change in any way that triggers the loss of grandfathered status as set forth in 45 C.F.R. 147.140 and WAC 284-43-0250 .

(2) An issuer must provide a statement in the plan materials provided to participants or beneficiaries describing the benefits provided under the plan, explaining that the group health plan believes it is a grandfathered health plan within the meaning of Section 1251 of the Affordable Care Act, and include contact information for questions and complaints that conforms to the model notice language found in 45 C.F.R. 147.140.

(3) An issuer must not restrict group eligibility to purchase a nongrandfathered plan offered through an association or member-governed group because the group is not affiliated with or does not participate in the association or member-governed group, unless the association or member-governed group meets the requirements of WAC 284-43-0330 (1).

(4) WAC 284-43-0250 through 284-43-0330 does not prohibit an issuer from discontinuing a grandfathered plan design and replacing it with a nongrandfathered plan.

(5) An issuer must not limit eligibility based on health status for either grandfathered or nongrandfathered health plans.