MD
Maryland House Bill HB647

Maryland 2024 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB647 Compare Versions

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1- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 740
21
3-– 1 –
4-Chapter 740
5-(House Bill 647)
62
7-AN ACT concerning
3+EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MAT TER ADDED TO EXISTIN G LAW.
4+ [Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
5+ Underlining indicates amendments to bill.
6+ Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by
7+amendment.
8+ *hb0647*
89
9-Property and Casualty Insurance – Pet Insurance – Regulation
10+HOUSE BILL 647
11+C4 4lr1830
1012
11-FOR the purpose of establishing requirements and prohibitions for pet insurance policies
12-that are issued to a resident of the State, or are sold, solicited, negotiated, or offered
13-in the State, including disclosure requirements and requirements and prohibitions
14-related to wellness programs; requiring the Maryland Insurance Administration to
15-develop informational material about pet insurance policies that may be
16-disseminated to and posted by veterinary practitioners; and generally relating to pet
17-insurance.
13+By: Delegate Guyton
14+Introduced and read first time: January 25, 2024
15+Assigned to: Economic Matters and Environment and Transportation
16+Committee Report: Favorable with amendments
17+House action: Adopted
18+Read second time: March 9, 2024
1819
19-BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
20- Article – Agriculture
21-Section 2–301(a) and (i)
22- Annotated Code of Maryland
23- (2016 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
20+CHAPTER ______
2421
25-BY adding to
26- Article – Insurance
27-Section 19–1101 through 19–1109 19–1107 to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle 11.
28-Pet Insurance”
29- Annotated Code of Maryland
30- (2017 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
22+AN ACT concerning 1
3123
32- SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
33-That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
24+Property and Casualty Insurance – Pet Insurance – Regulation 2
3425
35-Article – Agriculture
26+FOR the purpose of establishing requirements and prohibitions for pet insurance policies 3
27+that are issued to a resident of the State, or are sold, solicited, negotiated, or offered 4
28+in the State, including disclosure requirements and requirements and prohibitions 5
29+related to wellness programs; requiring the Maryland Insurance Administration to 6
30+develop informational material about pet insurance policies that may be 7
31+disseminated to and posted by veterinary practitioners; and generally relating to pet 8
32+insurance. 9
3633
37-2–301.
34+BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 10
35+ Article – Agriculture 11
36+Section 2–301(a) and (i) 12
37+ Annotated Code of Maryland 13
38+ (2016 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 14
3839
39- (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
40+BY adding to 15
41+ Article – Insurance 16
42+Section 19–1101 through 19–1109 19–1107 to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle 11. 17
43+Pet Insurance” 18
44+ Annotated Code of Maryland 19
45+ (2017 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 20
4046
41- (i) “Veterinary practitioner” means a licensed and registered veterinarian
42-engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine.
47+ SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 21
48+That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 22 2 HOUSE BILL 647
4349
44-Article – Insurance
4550
46-SUBTITLE 11. PET INSURANCE.
4751
48-19–1101. Ch. 740 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
52+Article – Agriculture 1
4953
50-– 2 –
54+2–301. 2
5155
52- (A) IN THIS SUBTITLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS
53-INDICATED.
56+ (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. 3
5457
55- (B) “CHRONIC CONDITION ” MEANS A CONDITION TH AT CAN BE TREATED OR
56-MANAGED, BUT NOT CURED .
58+ (i) “Veterinary practitioner” means a licensed and registered veterinarian 4
59+engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine. 5
5760
58- (C) “CONGENITAL ANOMALY OR DISORDER” MEANS A CONDITION TH AT IS
59-PRESENT FROM BIRTH , WHETHER INHERITED OR CAUSED BY THE ENVIRO NMENT,
60-THAT MAY CAU SE OR CONTRIBUTE TO ILLNESS OR DISEASE .
61+Article – Insurance 6
6162
62- (D) “HEREDITARY DISORDER ” MEANS AN ABNORMALITY THAT IS
63-GENETICALLY TRANSMIT TED FROM PARENT TO O FFSPRING AND MAY CAU SE
64-ILLNESS OR DISEASE .
63+SUBTITLE 11. PET INSURANCE. 7
6564
66- (E) (1) “ORTHOPEDIC CONDITION ” MEANS A CONDITION AF FECTING THE
67-BONES, SKELETAL MUSCLE, CARTILAGE, TENDONS, LIGAMENTS, OR JOINTS.
65+19–1101. 8
6866
69- (2) “ORTHOPEDIC CONDITION ” INCLUDES ELBOW DYSPL ASIA, HIP
70-DYSPLASIA, INTERVERTEBRAL DISC DEGENERATION , PATELLAR LUXATION , AND
71-RUPTURED CRANIAL CRU CIATE LIGAMENTS .
67+ (A) IN THIS SUBTITLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS 9
68+INDICATED. 10
7269
73- (3) “ORTHOPEDIC CONDITION ” DOES NOT INCLUDE:
70+ (B) “CHRONIC CONDITION ” MEANS A CONDITION TH AT CAN BE TREATED OR 11
71+MANAGED, BUT NOT CURED . 12
7472
75- (I) CANCER; OR
73+ (C) “CONGENITAL ANOMALY OR DISORDER” MEANS A CONDITION TH AT IS 13
74+PRESENT FROM BIRTH, WHETHER INHERITED OR CAUSED BY THE ENVIRO NMENT, 14
75+THAT MAY CAUSE OR CO NTRIBUTE TO ILLNESS OR DISEASE. 15
7676
77- (II) A METABOLIC, HEMOPOIETIC , OR AUTOIMMUNE DISEAS E.
77+ (D) “HEREDITARY DISORDER ” MEANS AN ABNORMALITY THAT IS 16
78+GENETICALLY TRANSMIT TED FROM PARENT TO O FFSPRING AND MAY CAU SE 17
79+ILLNESS OR DISEASE . 18
7880
79- (F) (1) “PET INSURANCE POLICY ” MEANS A PROPERTY INS URANCE
80-POLICY THAT IS SOLD BY A PET INSURER OR PET INSURANCE PRODUC ER THAT
81-PROVIDES COVERAGE FO R ACCIDENTS AND ILLNESSES OF PETS .
81+ (E) (1) “ORTHOPEDIC CONDITION ” MEANS A CONDITION AF FECTING THE 19
82+BONES, SKELETAL MUSCLE , CARTILAGE, TENDONS, LIGAMENTS, OR JOINTS. 20
8283
83- (2) “PET INSURANCE POLICY ” INCLUDES A CERTIFICA TE OR ADD–ON
84-COVERAGE.
84+ (2) “ORTHOPEDIC CONDITION ” INCLUDES ELBOW DYSPL ASIA, HIP 21
85+DYSPLASIA, INTERVERTEBRAL DISC DEGENERATION , PATELLAR LUXATION , AND 22
86+RUPTURED CRANIAL CRU CIATE LIGAMENTS . 23
8587
86- (G) (1) “PREEXISTING CONDITION ” MEANS A CONDITION FO R WHICH ANY
87-OF THE FOLLOWING ARE TRUE BEFORE THE EFFE CTIVE DATE OF A PET INSURANCE
88-POLICY OR DURING ANY WAITING PERIOD:
88+ (3) “ORTHOPEDIC CONDITION ” DOES NOT INCLUDE : 24
8989
90- (I) A VETERINARY PRACTIT IONER PROVIDED MEDIC AL ADVICE;
90+ (I) CANCER; OR 25
9191
92- (II) THE PET RECEIVED TRE ATMENT; OR
93- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 740
92+ (II) A METABOLIC, HEMOPOIETIC , OR AUTOIMMUNE DISEAS E. 26
93+ HOUSE BILL 647 3
9494
95-– 3 –
96- (III) BASED ON INFORMATION FROM VERIFIABLE SOUR CES, THE
97-PET HAD SIGNS OR SYM PTOMS DIRECTLY RELAT ED TO THE CONDITION FOR WHICH
98-A CLAIM IS BEING MADE.
9995
100- (2) “PREEXISTING CONDITION ” DOES NOT INCLUDE , FOR A RENEWAL
101-OF A PET INSURANCE P OLICY, A CONDITION FOR WHIC H COVERAGE WAS AFFOR DED
102-ON THE PREVIOUS POLI CY.
96+ (F) (1) “PET INSURANCE POLICY ” MEANS A PROPERTY INS URANCE 1
97+POLICY THAT IS SOLD BY A PET INSURER OR PET INSUR ANCE PRODUCER THAT 2
98+PROVIDES COVERAGE FO R ACCIDENTS AND ILLN ESSES OF PETS. 3
10399
104- (H) “RENEWAL” MEANS THE ISSUANCE A ND DELIVERY AT THE E ND OF A PET
105-INSURANCE POLICY PER IOD OF A POLICY THAT:
100+ (2) “PET INSURANCE POLICY ” INCLUDES A CERTIFICA TE OR ADD–ON 4
101+COVERAGE. 5
106102
107- (1) SUPERSEDES THE POLIC Y PREVIOUSLY ISSUED AND DELIVERED
108-BY THE SAME PET INSU RER OR AFFILIATED PE T INSURER; AND
103+ (G) (1) “PREEXISTING CONDITION ” MEANS A CONDITION FO R WHICH ANY 6
104+OF THE FOLLOWING ARE TRUE BEFORE THE EFFECT IVE DATE OF A PET IN SURANCE 7
105+POLICY OR DURING ANY WAITING PERIOD : 8
109106
110- (2) PROVIDES TYPES AND L IMITS OF COVERAGE SU BSTANTIALLY
111-SIMILAR TO THOSE CON TAINED IN THE PRIOR POLICY.
107+ (I) A VETERINARY PRACTIT IONER PROVIDED MEDIC AL ADVICE; 9
112108
113- (I) (1) “VETERINARY EXPENSES ” MEANS THE COSTS ASSO CIATED WITH
114-MEDICAL ADVICE , DIAGNOSIS, CARE, OR TREATMENT PROVIDE D BY A VETERINARY
115-PRACTITIONER .
109+ (II) THE PET RECEIVED TRE ATMENT; OR 10
116110
117- (2) “VETERINARY EXPENSES ” INCLUDES THE COST OF DRUGS
118-PRESCRIBED BY A VETE RINARY PRACTITIONER .
111+ (III) BASED ON INFORMATION FROM VERIFIABLE SOUR CES, THE 11
112+PET HAD SIGN S OR SYMPTOMS DIRECT LY RELATED TO THE CO NDITION FOR WHICH 12
113+A CLAIM IS BEING MAD E. 13
119114
120- (J) “VETERINARY PRACTIT IONER” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 2–301
121-OF THE AGRICULTURE ARTICLE.
115+ (2) “PREEXISTING CONDITION ” DOES NOT INCLUDE , FOR A RENEWAL 14
116+OF A PET INSURANCE P OLICY, A CONDITION FOR WHIC H COVERAGE WAS AFFOR DED 15
117+ON THE PREVIOUS POLI CY. 16
122118
123- (K) “WAITING PERIOD” MEANS THE PERIOD OF TIME SPECIFIED IN A NEW
124-PET INSURANCE POLICY THAT MUST ELAPSE BEF ORE SOME OR ALL OF T HE
125-COVERAGE IN THE POLI CY BEGINS.
119+ (H) “RENEWAL” MEANS THE ISSUANCE AN D DELIVERY AT THE EN D OF A PET 17
120+INSURANCE POLICY PER IOD OF A POLICY THAT : 18
126121
127- (L) “WELLNESS PROGRAM ” MEANS A SUBSCRIPTION – OR
128-REIMBURSEMENT –BASED PROGRAM THAT :
122+ (1) SUPERSEDES THE POLIC Y PREVIOUSLY ISSUED AND DELIVERED 19
123+BY THE SAME PET INSU RER OR AFFILIATED PE T INSURER; AND 20
129124
130- (1) IS SEPARATE FROM A P ET INSURANCE POLICY ; AND
125+ (2) PROVIDES TYPES AND L IMITS OF COVERAGE SUBSTANTIALLY 21
126+SIMILAR TO THOSE CON TAINED IN THE PRIOR POLICY. 22
131127
132- (2) PROVIDES GOODS AND S ERVICES TO PROMOTE T HE GENERAL
133-HEALTH, SAFETY, OR WELL–BEING OF THE PET .
128+ (I) (1) “VETERINARY EXPENSES ” MEANS THE COSTS ASSO CIATED WITH 23
129+MEDICAL ADVICE , DIAGNOSIS, CARE, OR TREATMENT PROVIDE D BY A VETERINARY 24
130+PRACTITIONER . 25
134131
135-19–1102.
132+ (2) “VETERINARY EXPENSES ” INCLUDES THE COS T OF DRUGS 26
133+PRESCRIBED BY A VETE RINARY PRACTITIONER . 27
136134
137- IT IS THE INTENT OF T HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO PROMOTE T HE PUBLIC
138-WELFARE BY CREATING A COMPREHENSIVE LEGA L FRAMEWORK WITHIN W HICH PET
139-INSURANCE MAY BE SOL D IN THE STATE. Ch. 740 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
135+ (J) “VETERINARY PRACTITION ER” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 2–301 28
136+OF THE AGRICULTURE ARTICLE. 29
137+ 4 HOUSE BILL 647
140138
141-– 4 –
142139
143-19–1103.
140+ (K) “WAITING PERIOD” MEANS THE PERIOD OF TIME SPECIFIED IN A NEW 1
141+PET INSURANCE POLICY THAT MUST ELAPSE BEF ORE SOME OR ALL OF TH E 2
142+COVERAGE IN THE POLI CY BEGINS. 3
144143
145- (A) THIS SUBTITLE APPLIES ONLY TO PET INSURANC E POLICIES OR
146-CERTIFICATES THAT AR E:
144+ (L) “WELLNESS PROGRAM ” MEANS A SUBSCRIPTION – OR 4
145+REIMBURSEMENT –BASED PROGRAM THAT : 5
147146
148- (1) ISSUED TO A RESID ENT OF THE STATE; OR
147+ (1) IS SEPARATE FROM A P ET INSURANCE POLICY ; AND 6
149148
150- (2) SOLD, SOLICITED, NEGOTIATED , OR OFFERED IN THE STATE.
149+ (2) PROVIDES GOODS AND S ERVICES TO PROMOTE T HE GENERAL 7
150+HEALTH, SAFETY, OR WELL–BEING OF THE PET . 8
151151
152- (B) ALL OTHER APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THIS A RTICLE APPLY TO PET
153-INSURANCE, EXCEPT THAT SPECIFIC PROVISIONS OF THIS S UBTITLE SUPERSEDE
154-ANY GENERAL PROVISIO NS OF THIS ARTICL E.
152+19–1102. 9
155153
156-19–1104.
154+ IT IS THE INTENT OF T HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO PROMOTE T HE PUBLIC 10
155+WELFARE BY CREATING A COMPREHENSIVE LEGA L FRAMEWORK WITHIN W HICH PET 11
156+INSURANCE MAY BE SOL D IN THE STATE. 12
157157
158- (A) A PET INSURER TRANSACT ING PET INSURANCE SH ALL DISCLOSE THE
159-FOLLOWING TO CONSUME RS:
158+19–1103. 13
160159
161- (1) ALL POLICY EXCLUSION S, INCLUDING EXCLUSIONS OF COVERAGE
162-DUE TO:
160+ (A) THIS SUBTITLE APPLIES ONLY TO PET INSURANCE POL ICIES OR 14
161+CERTIFICATES THAT AR E: 15
163162
164- (I) A PREEXISTING CONDIT ION;
163+ (1) ISSUED TO A RESIDENT OF THE STATE; OR 16
165164
166- (II) A HEREDITARY DISORDE R;
165+ (2) SOLD, SOLICITED, NEGOTIATED , OR OFFERED IN THE STATE. 17
167166
168- (III) A CONGENITAL ANOMALY OR DIS ORDER; OR
167+ (B) ALL OTHER APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THIS A RTICLE APPLY TO PET 18
168+INSURANCE, EXCEPT THAT SPECIFIC PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBTITLE SUP ERSEDE 19
169+ANY GENERAL PROVISIO NS OF THIS ARTICLE . 20
169170
170- (IV) A CHRONIC CONDITION ;
171+19–1104. 21
171172
172- (2) ANY POLICY PROVISION THAT LIMITS COVERAGE THROUGH A
173-WAITING PERIOD , A DEDUCTIBLE , COINSURANCE , OR AN ANNUAL OR LIFE TIME
174-POLICY LIMIT;
173+ (A) A PET INSURER TRANSACT ING PET INSURANCE SH ALL DISCLOSE THE 22
174+FOLLOWING TO CONSUME RS: 23
175175
176- (3) WHETHER THE PET INSU RER REDUCES COVERAGE OR INCREASES
177-PREMIUMS BASED ON TH E INSURED’S CLAIM HISTORY , THE AGE OF THE COVER ED
178-PET, OR A CHANGE IN THE G EOGRAPHIC LOCATION O F THE INSURED; AND
176+ (1) ALL POLICY EXCLUSION S, INCLUDING EXCLUSIONS OF COVERAGE 24
177+DUE TO: 25
179178
180- (4) THE IDENTITY OF THE UNDERWRITING COMPANY IF THE
181-COMPANY DIFFERS FROM THE BRAND NAME USED TO MARKET AND SE LL THE PET
182-INSURANCE POLICY .
179+ (I) A PREEXISTING CONDIT ION; 26
183180
184- (B) (1) A NOTICE SHALL BE PROM INENTLY PRINTED ON O R ATTACHED TO
185-THE FACE OF THE PET INSURANCE POLICY THA T STATES THAT: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 740
181+ (II) A HEREDITARY DISORDE R; 27
186182
187-– 5 –
183+ (III) A CONGENITAL ANOMALY OR DISORDER; OR 28
184+ HOUSE BILL 647 5
188185
189- (I) THE POLICY MAY BE SU RRENDERED TO THE INS URER FOR
190-CANCELLATION WITHIN 10 DAYS AFTER THE DATE THE POLICY IS DELIVERED TO
191-THE INSURED; AND
192186
193- (II) IF A POLICY IS CANCE LED DURING THE 10–DAY PERIOD, A
194-PRO RATA PREMIUM FOR THE UNEXPIRED TERM O F THE POLICY SHALL B E
195-RETURNED TO THE INSU RED.
187+ (IV) A CHRONIC CONDITION ; 1
196188
197- (2) AN INSURED IS NOT ENT ITLED TO A PRO RATA PREMIUM IN
198-ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH (1)(II) OF THIS SUBSECTION I F THE INSURED HAS
199-MADE A CLAIM UNDER T HE PET INSURANCE POL ICY.
189+ (2) ANY POLICY PROVISION THAT LIMITS COVERAGE THROUGH A 2
190+WAITING PERIOD , A DEDUCTIBLE , COINSURANCE , OR AN ANNU AL OR LIFETIME 3
191+POLICY LIMIT; 4
200192
201- (C) A PET INSURER SHALL CL EARLY DISCLOSE A SUM MARY DESCRIPTION
202-OF THE BASIS OR FORM ULA ON WHICH THE PET INSURER DETERMINES C LAIM
203-PAYMENTS UNDER A P ET INSURANCE POLICY :
193+ (3) WHETHER THE PET INSU RER REDUCES COVERAGE OR INCREASES 5
194+PREMIUMS BASED ON TH E INSURED’S CLAIM HISTORY , THE AGE OF THE COVER ED 6
195+PET, OR A CHANGE IN THE G EOGRAPHIC LOCATION O F THE INSURED; AND 7
204196
205- (1) WITHIN THE POLICY ;
197+ (4) THE IDENTITY OF THE UNDERWRITING COMPANY IF T HE 8
198+COMPANY DIFFERS FROM THE BRAND NAME USED TO MARKET AND SELL T HE PET 9
199+INSURANCE POLICY . 10
206200
207- (2) BEFORE ISSUING THE P OLICY; AND
201+ (B) (1) A NOTICE SHALL BE PROM INENTLY PRINTED ON O R ATTACHED TO 11
202+THE FACE OF THE PET INSURANCE POLICY THA T STATES THAT: 12
208203
209- (3) THROUGH A CLEAR AND CONSPICUOUS LINK ON THE MAIN PAGE
210-OF THE WEBSITE OF TH E PET INSURER OR PET INSURER’S PROGRAM
211-ADMINISTRATOR .
204+ (I) THE POLICY MAY BE SURRENDERED TO THE I NSURER FOR 13
205+CANCELLATION WITHIN 10 DAYS AFTER THE DATE THE POLICY IS DELIVE RED TO 14
206+THE INSURED; AND 15
212207
213- (D) IF A PET INSURER USES A BENEFIT SCHEDULE TO DETERM INE CLAIM
214-PAYMENT UNDER A PET INSURANCE POLICY , THE PET INSURER SHAL L:
208+ (II) IF A POLICY IS CANCE LED DURING THE 10–DAY PERIOD, A 16
209+PRO RATA PREMIUM FOR THE UNEXPIRED TERM O F THE POLICY SHALL B E 17
210+RETURNED TO THE INSURED. 18
215211
216- (1) CLEARLY DISCLOSE THE APPLICABLE BENEFIT S CHEDULE IN THE
217-POLICY; AND
212+ (2) AN INSURED IS NOT ENT ITLED TO A PRO RATA PREMIUM IN 19
213+ACCORDANCE WITH PARA GRAPH (1)(II) OF THIS SUBSECTION I F THE INSURED HAS 20
214+MADE A CLAIM UNDER T HE PET INSURANCE POL ICY. 21
218215
219- (2) DISCLOSE ALL BENEFIT SCHEDULES USED BY TH E PET INSURER
220-UNDER ITS PET INSURA NCE POLICIES THROUGH A C LEAR AND CONSPICUOUS LINK
221-ON THE MAIN PAGE OF THE WEBSITE OF THE P ET INSURER OR PET IN SURER’S
222-PROGRAM ADMINISTRATO R.
216+ (C) A PET INSURER SHALL CL EARLY DISCLOSE A SUM MARY DESCRIPTION 22
217+OF THE BASIS OR FORMULA ON WHICH THE PET INS URER DETERMINES CLAI M 23
218+PAYMENTS UNDER A PET INSURANCE POLICY : 24
223219
224- (E) IF A PET INSURER DETE RMINES CLAIM PAYMENT S UNDER A PET
225-INSURANCE POLICY THA T ARE BASED ON USUAL AND CUSTOMARY FEE S, OR ANY
226-OTHER REIMBURSEMENT LIMITATION BASED ON PREVAILING VETERINAR Y
227-PRACTITIONER CHARGES , THE PET INSURER SHAL L:
220+ (1) WITHIN THE POLICY ; 25
228221
229- (1) INCLUDE A USUAL AND CUSTOMARY FEE LIMITA TION PROVISION
230-IN THE POLICY THAT C LEARLY DESCRIBES :
231- Ch. 740 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
222+ (2) BEFORE ISSUING THE P OLICY; AND 26
232223
233-– 6 –
234- (I) THE PET INSURER ’S BASIS FOR DET ERMINING USUAL AND
235-CUSTOMARY FEES ; AND
224+ (3) THROUGH A CLEAR AND CONSPICUOUS LINK ON THE MAIN PAGE 27
225+OF THE WEBSITE OF TH E PET IN SURER OR PET INSURER ’S PROGRAM 28
226+ADMINISTRATOR . 29
236227
237- (II) HOW THE BASIS IS APP LIED IN CALCULATING CLAIM
238-PAYMENTS; AND
228+ (D) IF A PET INSURER USES A BENEFIT SCHEDULE T O DETERMINE CLAIM 30
229+PAYMENT UNDER A PET INSURANCE POLICY , THE PET INSURER SHAL L: 31
230+ 6 HOUSE BILL 647
239231
240- (2) DISCLOSE THE PET INS URER’S BASIS FOR DETERMIN ING USUAL
241-AND CUSTOMARY FEES T HROUGH A CLEAR AND C ONSPICUOUS LINK ON T HE MAIN
242-PAGE OF THE WEBSIT E OF THE PET INSURER OR PET INSURER ’S PROGRAM
243-ADMINISTRATOR .
244232
245- (F) IF A MEDICAL EXAMINAT ION BY A VETERINARY PRACTITIONER IS
246-REQUIRED TO BEGIN CO VERAGE, THE PET INSURER SHAL L:
233+ (1) CLEARLY DISCLOSE THE APPLICABLE BENEFIT S CHEDULE IN THE 1
234+POLICY; AND 2
247235
248- (1) CLEARLY AND CONSPICU OUSLY DISCLOSE THE R EQUIRED
249-ASPECTS OF THE EXAMI NATION BEFORE PURCHASE OF T HE PET INSURANCE POL ICY;
250-AND
236+ (2) DISCLOSE ALL BENEFIT SCHEDULES USED BY TH E PET INSURER 3
237+UNDER ITS PET INSURA NCE POLICIES THROUGH A CLEAR AND CONSPICU OUS LINK 4
238+ON THE MAIN PAGE OF THE WEBSITE OF THE P ET INSURER OR PET IN SURER’S 5
239+PROGRAM ADMINISTRATO R. 6
251240
252- (2) DISCLOSE THAT EXAMIN ATION DOCUMENTATION MAY RESULT IN
253-A PREEXISTING CONDIT ION EXCLUSION.
241+ (E) IF A PET INSURER DETE RMINES CLAIM P AYMENTS UNDER A PET 7
242+INSURANCE POLICY THA T ARE BASED ON USUAL AND CUSTOMARY FEES , OR ANY 8
243+OTHER REIMBURSEMENT LIMITATION BASED ON PREVAILING VETERINAR Y 9
244+PRACTITIONER CHARGES , THE PET INSURER SHAL L: 10
254245
255- (G) A PET INSURER SHALL CL EARLY AND PROMINENTL Y DISCLOSE ANY
256-WAITING PERIODS AND THE REQUIREMENTS APP LICABLE TO THE WAITING PERIO DS
257-BEFORE PURCHASE OF T HE PET INSURANCE POL ICY.
246+ (1) INCLUDE A USUAL AND CUSTOMARY FEE LIMITA TION PROVISION 11
247+IN THE POLICY THAT C LEARLY DESCRIBES : 12
258248
259- (H) (1) A PET INSURER SHALL :
249+ (I) THE PET INSURER ’S BASIS FOR DETERMIN ING USUAL AND 13
250+CUSTOMARY FEES ; AND 14
260251
261- (I) INCLUDE WITH A COPY OF THE PET INSURANCE POLICY A
262-SUMMARY OF ALL POLIC Y PROVISIONS REQUIRE D IN ACCORDANCE WITH
263-SUBSECTIONS (A) THROUGH (G) OF THIS SECTION IN A SEPARAT E DOCUMENT IN AT
264-LEAST 12 POINT TYPE TITLED : “INSURER DISCLOSURE OF IMPORTANT POLICY
265-PROVISIONS”; AND
252+ (II) HOW THE BASIS IS APP LIED IN CALCULATING CLAIM 15
253+PAYMENTS; AND 16
266254
267- (II) INCLUDE THE DOCUMENT REQUIRED UNDER ITEM (I) OF
268-THIS PARAGRAPH ON TH E WEBSITE OF THE PET INSURER OR PET INSUR ER’S
269-PROGRAM ADM INISTRATOR THROUGH A CLEAR AND CONSPICUOU S LINK ON THE
270-MAIN PAGE OF THE WEB SITE.
255+ (2) DISCLOSE THE PET INS URER’S BASIS FOR DETERMIN ING USUAL 17
256+AND CUSTOMARY FEES THROU GH A CLEAR AND CONSP ICUOUS LINK ON THE M AIN 18
257+PAGE OF THE WEBSITE OF THE PET INSURER O R PET INSURER ’S PROGRAM 19
258+ADMINISTRATOR . 20
271259
272- (2) THE DOCUMENT REQUIRED UNDER PARAGRAPH (1)(I) OF THIS
273-SUBSECTION SHALL INC LUDE ALL RELEVANT DE FINITIONS ESTABLISHE D UNDER §
274-19–1101 OF THIS SUBTITLE.
275- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 740
260+ (F) IF A MEDICAL EXAMINAT ION BY A VETERINARY PRACTITIONER IS 21
261+REQUIRED TO BEGIN CO VERAGE, THE PET INSURER SHAL L: 22
276262
277-– 7 –
278- (I) AT THE TIME A PET INSURANCE POLICY IS ISSUED OR DELIVER ED TO A
279-POLICYHOLDER , THE PET INSURER SHAL L INCLUDE THE FOLLOW ING
280-INFORMATION , PRINTED IN 12 POINT BOLDFACE TYPE :
263+ (1) CLEARLY AND CONSPICU OUSLY DISCLOSE THE R EQUIRED 23
264+ASPECTS OF THE EXAMI NATION BEFORE PURCHA SE OF THE PET INSURA NCE POLICY; 24
265+AND 25
281266
282- (1) THE ADMINISTRATION ’S MAILING ADDRESS , TOLL–FREE
283-TELEPHONE NUMBER , AND WEBSITE ADDRESS ;
267+ (2) DISCLOSE THAT EXAMIN ATION DOCUMENTATION MAY RESULT IN 26
268+A PREEXISTING CONDIT ION EXCLUSION. 27
284269
285- (2) THE ADDRESS AND CUST OMER SERVICE TELEPHO NE NUMBER OF
286-THE PET INSURER OR T HE INSURANCE PRODUCE R OF RECORD FOR THE PET
287-INSURER; AND
270+ (G) A PET INSURER SHALL CL EARLY AND PROMINENTL Y DISCLOSE ANY 28
271+WAITING PERIODS AND THE REQUIREMENTS APP LICABLE TO THE WAITI NG PERIODS 29
272+BEFORE PURCHASE OF T HE PET INSURANCE POL ICY. 30
288273
289- (3) IF THE POLICY WAS IS SUED OR DELIVERED BY AN INSURANCE
290-PRODUCER, A STATEMENT ADVISING THE POLICYHOLDER TO CONTACT THE
291-INSURANCE PRODUCER FO R ASSISTANCE.
274+ (H) (1) A PET INSURER SHALL : 31
275+ HOUSE BILL 647 7
292276
293- (J) THE DISCLOSURE REQUIR EMENTS REQUIRED IN A CCORDANCE WITH
294-THIS SECTION SHALL B E IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER APPLICABLE DIS CLOSURE
295-REQUIREMENTS UNDER T HIS ARTICLE OR REGUL ATIONS ADOPTED UNDER THIS
296-ARTICLE.
297277
298-19–1105.
278+ (I) INCLUDE WITH A COPY OF THE PET INSURANCE POLICY A 1
279+SUMMARY OF ALL POLICY PROVISIONS RE QUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH 2
280+SUBSECTIONS (A) THROUGH (G) OF THIS SECTION IN A SEPARATE DOCUMENT IN AT 3
281+LEAST 12 POINT TYPE TITLED : “INSURER DISCLOSURE OF IMPORTANT POLICY 4
282+PROVISIONS”; AND 5
299283
300- (A) (1) A PET INSURER MAY ISSU E POLICIES THAT EXCL UDE COVERAGE
301-ON THE BASIS OF ONE OR MORE PREEXISTING CONDITIONS WITH APPR OPRIATE
302-DISCLOSURE TO THE CO NSUMER.
284+ (II) INCLUDE THE DOCUMENT REQUIRED UNDER ITEM (I) OF 6
285+THIS PARAGRAPH ON TH E WEBSITE OF THE PET INSURER OR PET INSUR ER’S 7
286+PROGRAM ADMINISTRATO R THROUGH A CLEAR AN D CONSPICUOUS LINK O N THE 8
287+MAIN PAGE OF THE WEB SITE. 9
303288
304- (2) THE PET INSURER HAS T HE BURDEN OF PROVING THAT THE
305-PREEXISTING CONDITIO N EXCLUSION APPLIES TO THE CONDITION FOR WH ICH A
306-CLAIM IS MADE.
289+ (2) THE DOCUMENT REQUIRED UNDER PARAGRAPH (1)(I) OF THIS 10
290+SUBSECTION SHALL INC LUDE ALL RELE VANT DEFINITIONS EST ABLISHED UNDER § 11
291+19–1101 OF THIS SUBTITLE. 12
307292
308- (B) (1) (I) SUBJECT TO SUBPARAGRA PHS (II) AND (III) OF THIS
309-PARAGRAPH , A PET INSURER MAY IS SUE A POLICY THAT IM POSES A WAITING PERI OD
310-BEFORE COVERAGE UNDE R THE POLICY BEGINS .
293+ (I) AT THE TIME A PET INS URANCE POLICY IS ISS UED OR DELIVERED TO A 13
294+POLICYHOLDER , THE PET INSURER SHAL L INCLUDE THE FOLLOW ING 14
295+INFORMATION , PRINTED IN 12 POINT BOLDFACE TYPE : 15
311296
312- (II) A WAITING PERIOD MAY N OT EXCEED 30 DAYS FOR AN
313-ILLNESS OR ORTHOPEDI C CONDITION THAT DOE S NOT RESULT FROM AN ACCIDENT.
297+ (1) THE ADMINISTRATION’S MAILING ADDRESS , TOLL–FREE 16
298+TELEPHONE NUMBER , AND WEBSITE ADDRESS ; 17
314299
315- (III) A PET INSURER MAY NOT IMPOSE A WAITING PER IOD FOR
316-AN ILLNESS OR ORTHOP EDIC CONDITION THAT RESULTS FROM AN ACCI DENT.
300+ (2) THE ADDRESS AND CUST OMER SERVICE TELEPHO NE NUMBER OF 18
301+THE PET INSURER OR T HE INSURANCE PRODUCE R OF RECORD FOR THE PET 19
302+INSURER; AND 20
317303
318- (2) (I) A PET INSURER THAT IMP OSES A WAITING PERIOD UNDER
319-PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION S HALL INCLUDE A PROVI SION IN THE PET
320-INSURANCE POLICY THA T ALLOWS FOR THE WAI VING OF WAITING PERI ODS ON
321-COMPLETION OF A MEDI CAL EXAMINATION . Ch. 740 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
304+ (3) IF THE POLICY WAS IS SUED OR DELIVERE D BY AN INSURANCE 21
305+PRODUCER, A STATEMENT ADVISING THE POLICYHOLDER TO CONTACT THE 22
306+INSURANCE PRODUCER F OR ASSISTANCE. 23
322307
323-– 8 –
308+ (J) THE DISCLOSURE REQUIR EMENTS REQUIRED IN A CCORDANCE WITH 24
309+THIS SECTION SHALL B E IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER APPLICABLE DIS CLOSURE 25
310+REQUIREME NTS UNDER THIS ARTIC LE OR REGULATIONS AD OPTED UNDER THIS 26
311+ARTICLE. 27
324312
325- (II) 1. A PET INSURER MAY REQU IRE A MEDICAL
326-EXAMINATION UN DER SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH TO BE CONDUCTED
327-BY A VETERINARY PRAC TITIONER AFTER THE P URCHASE OF THE POLIC Y.
313+19–1105. 28
328314
329- 2. UNLESS THE PET INSURA NCE POLICY SPECIFIES
330-THAT THE PET INSURER WILL PAY FOR A MEDIC AL EXAMINATION UNDER
331-SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH , A POLICYHOLDER SHALL PAY FOR THE
332-MEDICAL EXAMINATION .
315+ (A) (1) A PET INSURER MAY ISSU E POLICIES THAT EXCL UDE COVERAGE 29
316+ON THE BASIS OF ONE OR MORE PREEXISTING CONDITIONS WITH APPR OPRIATE 30
317+DISCLOSURE TO THE CO NSUMER. 31
333318
334- 3. A PET INSURER MAY :
319+ (2) THE PET INSURER HAS THE BURD EN OF PROVING THAT T HE 32
320+PREEXISTING CONDITIO N EXCLUSION APPLIES TO THE CONDITION FOR WHICH A 33
321+CLAIM IS MADE. 34 8 HOUSE BILL 647
335322
336- A. SPECIFY ELEMENTS TO BE INCLUDED AS PART OF A
337-MEDICAL EXAMINATION UNDER SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH ; AND
338323
339- B. IF THE SPECIFICATION S DO NOT UNREASONABL Y
340-RESTRICT A POLICYHOL DER’S ABILITY TO WAIVE T HE WAITING PERIOD , REQUIRE
341-DOCUMENTATION OF THE MEDICAL EXAMINATION .
342324
343- (3) A PET INSURER SHALL CL EARLY AND PROMINENTL Y DISCLOSE
344-REQUIREMENTS WITH RE SPECT TO APPLICABLE WAITING PERIODS BEFO RE
345-PURCHASE OF THE POLI CY.
325+ (B) (1) (I) SUBJECT TO SUBPARAGRA PHS (II) AND (III) OF THIS 1
326+PARAGRAPH , A PET INSURER MAY IS SUE A POLICY THAT IM POSES A WAITING PERIOD 2
327+BEFORE COVERAGE UNDE R THE POLICY BEGINS . 3
346328
347- (C) A PET INSURER SHALL RE QUIRE THAT AN INSURE D SUBMIT A CLAIM
348-UNDER THE PET INSURA NCE POLICY AFTER SUB MITTING P AYMENT TO THE
349-VETERINARY PRACTITIO NER FOR VETERINARY E XPENSES.
329+ (II) A WAITING PERIOD MAY N OT EXCEED 30 DAYS FOR AN 4
330+ILLNESS OR ORTHOPEDI C CONDITION THAT DOE S NOT RESULT FROM AN ACCIDENT. 5
350331
351- (D) A PET INSURER MAY NOT REQUIRE A MEDICAL EX AMINATION OF THE
352-COVERED PET AS A CON DITION FOR THE RENEW AL OF A POLICY.
332+ (III) A PET INSURER MAY NOT IMPOSE A WAITING PER IOD FOR 6
333+AN ILLNESS OR ORTHOP EDIC CONDITION THAT R ESULTS FROM AN ACCID ENT. 7
353334
354- (E) A PRESCRIPTIVE, WELLNESS, OR NONINSURANCE BENE FIT INCLUDED
355-IN THE POLICY FORM FOR A PE T INSURANCE POLICY I S PART OF THE POLICY AND
356-SUBJECT TO THIS ARTI CLE AND REGULATIONS ADOPTED UNDER THIS A RTICLE.
335+ (2) (I) A PET INSURER THAT IMP OSES A WAITING PERIO D UNDER 8
336+PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION S HALL INCLUDE A PROVI SION IN THE PET 9
337+INSURANCE POLICY THA T ALLOWS FOR THE WAI VING OF WAITING PERI ODS ON 10
338+COMPLETION OF A MEDICAL EXAMINATIO N. 11
357339
358- (F) A PET INSURER MAY NOT CONDITION AN INSURED ’S ELIGIBILITY TO
359-PURCHASE A PET INSUR ANCE POLICY ON PARTI CIPATION, OR LACK OF
360-PARTICIPATION , IN A SEPARATE WELLNE SS PROGRAM.
340+ (II) 1. A PET INSURER MAY REQU IRE A MEDICAL 12
341+EXAMINATION UNDER SU BPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH TO BE CONDUCTED 13
342+BY A VETERINARY PRAC TITIONER AFTER THE P URCHASE OF THE POLIC Y. 14
361343
362-19–1106.
344+ 2. UNLESS THE PET INSURA NCE POLICY SPECIFIES 15
345+THAT THE PET INSURER W ILL PAY FOR A MEDICA L EXAMINATION UNDER 16
346+SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH , A POLICYHOLDER SHALL PAY FOR THE 17
347+MEDICAL EXAMINATION . 18
363348
364- (A) A PET INSURER OR PET I NSURANCE PRODUCER MA Y NOT:
365- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 740
349+ 3. A PET INSURER MAY : 19
366350
367-– 9 –
368- (1), EXCEPT AS PROVIDED I N SUBSECTION (C) OF THIS SECTION AND §
369-19–1107 OF THIS SUBTITLE , MARKET A WELLNESS PR OGRAM AS A PET INSUR ANCE
370-POLICY; OR
351+ A. SPECIFY ELEMENTS TO BE INCLUDED AS PART OF A 20
352+MEDICAL EXAMINATION UNDER SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH ; AND 21
371353
372- (2) MARKET A WELLNESS PR OGRAM DURING THE SAL E,
373-SOLICITATION, OR NEGOTIATION OF A PET INSURANCE POLICY .
354+ B. IF THE SPECIFICATION S DO NOT UNREASONABL Y 22
355+RESTRICT A POLICYHOL DER’S ABILITY TO WAIVE T HE WAITING PERIOD , REQUIRE 23
356+DOCUMENTATION OF THE MEDICAL EXAMINATION . 24
374357
375- (B) IF A PET INSURER OR P ET INSURANCE PRODUCE R SELLS A WELLNESS
376-PROGRAM:
358+ (3) A PET INSURER SHALL CL EARLY AND PROMINENTL Y DISCLOSE 25
359+REQUIREMENTS WITH RE SPECT TO APPLICABLE WAITING PERIODS BEFO RE 26
360+PURCHASE OF THE POLI CY. 27
377361
378- (1) THE PURCHASE OF THE WELLNESS PROGRAM MAY NOT BE A
379-REQUIREMENT TO PURCH ASE THE PET INSURANC E;
362+ (C) A PET INSURER SHALL RE QUIRE THAT AN INSURE D SUBMIT A CLAIM 28
363+UNDER THE PET INSURA NCE POLICY AFTER SUB MITTING PAYMENT TO T HE 29
364+VETERINARY PRACTITIO NER FOR VETERINARY EXPENSES . 30
380365
381- (2) THE COSTS AND THE TE RMS AND CONDITIONS O F THE WELLNESS
382-PROGRAM SHALL BE SEP ARATE AND IDENTIFIAB LE FROM ANY PET INSU RANCE
383-POLICY SOLD BY A PET INSURER OR PET INSUR ANCE PRODUCER ;
366+ (D) A PET INSURER MAY NOT REQUIRE A MEDICAL EX AMINATION OF THE 31
367+COVERED PET AS A CON DITION FOR THE RENEW AL OF A POLICY. 32 HOUSE BILL 647 9
384368
385- (3) THE PRODUCTS OR COVE RAGES AVAILABLE THROUG H THE
386-WELLNESS PROGRAM MAY NOT DUPLICATE PRODUC TS OR COVERAGES AVAI LABLE
387-THROUGH THE PET INSU RANCE POLICY;
388369
389- (4) THE ADVERTISING OF T HE WELLNESS PROGRAM SHALL
390-ACCURATELY AND CLEAR LY DESCRIBE THE WELL NESS PROGRAM ; AND
391370
392- (5) THE PET INS URER OR PET INSURANC E PRODUCER SHALL
393-CLEARLY AND IN 12 POINT BOLDFACE TYPE DISCLOSE TO CONSUMER S:
371+ (E) A PRESCRIPTIVE, WELLNESS, OR NONINSURANCE BENE FIT INCLUDED 1
372+IN THE POLICY FORM F OR A PET INSURANCE P OLICY IS PART OF THE POLICY A ND 2
373+SUBJECT TO THIS ARTI CLE AND REGULATIONS ADOPTED UNDER THIS A RTICLE. 3
394374
395- (I) THAT, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED I N SUBSECTION (C) OF THIS
396-SECTION AND § 19–1107 OF THIS SUBTITLE , WELLNESS PROGRAMS AR E NOT
397-INSURANCE;
375+ (F) A PET INSURER MAY NOT CONDITION AN INSURED ’S ELIGIBILITY TO 4
376+PURCHASE A PET INSUR ANCE POLICY ON PARTI CIPATION, OR LACK OF 5
377+PARTICIPATION , IN A SEPARATE WELLNE SS PROGRAM. 6
398378
399- (II) THE ADMINISTRATION’S MAILING ADDRESS ,
400-TOLL–FREE TELEPHONE NUMBE R, AND WEBSITE ADDRESS ; AND
379+19–1106. 7
401380
402- (III) THE ADDRESS AND CUST OMER SERVICE TELEPHO NE
403-NUMBER OF THE PET IN SURER OR PRODUCER OR INSURANCE PRODUCER O F
404-RECORD FOR THE PET I NSURER.
381+ (A) A PET INSURER OR PET I NSURANCE PRODUCER MA Y NOT: 8
405382
406- (C) COVERAGE THAT IS INCL UDED IN THE PET INSURANCE POLICY
407-CONTRACT DESCRIBED A S A “WELLNESS” BENEFIT IS INSURANCE .
383+ (1), EXCEPT AS PROVIDED I N SUBSECTION (C) OF THIS SECTION AND § 9
384+19–1107 OF THIS SUBTITLE , MARKET A WELLNESS PR OGRAM AS A PET INSUR ANCE 10
385+POLICY; OR 11
408386
409-19–1107.
410- Ch. 740 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
387+ (2) MARKET A WELLNESS PR OGRAM DURING THE SALE , 12
388+SOLICITATION, OR NEGOTIATION OF A PET INSURANCE POLICY . 13
411389
412-– 10 –
413- IF A WELLNESS PROGRAM CONTRACTS TO INDEMNI FY OR TO PAY OR PROV IDE
414-A SPECIFIED DETERMIN ABLE AMOUNT OR BENEF IT ON THE OCCURRENCE OF A
415-DETERMINABLE CONTING ENCY, THE WELLNESS PROGRAM SHALL BE CONSIDERED
416-INSURANCE AND BE SUB JECT TO THE PROVISIO NS OF THIS ARTICLE A ND
417-REGULATIONS ADOPTED UNDER THIS ARTICLE .
390+ (B) IF A PET INSURER OR P ET INSURANCE PRODUCE R SELLS A WELLNESS 14
391+PROGRAM: 15
418392
419-19–1108.
393+ (1) THE PURCHASE OF THE WELLNESS PROGRAM MAY NOT BE A 16
394+REQUIREMENT TO PURCH ASE THE PET INSURANC E; 17
420395
421- (A) (1) IF THE COMMISSIONER FINDS TH AT A PERSON HAS VIOL ATED
422-THIS SUBTITLE, THE COMMISSIONER MAY IMP OSE A CIVIL PENALTY NOT EXCEEDING
423-$250 FOR EACH VIOLATION .
396+ (2) THE COSTS AND THE TE RMS AND CONDITIONS O F THE WELLNESS 18
397+PROGRAM SHALL BE SEP ARATE AND IDENTIFIAB LE FROM ANY PET INSU RANCE 19
398+POLICY SOLD BY A PET INSURER OR PET INSUR ANCE PRODUCER ; 20
424399
425- (2) IF THE COMMISSIONER FINDS A VIOLATION OF THIS SU BTITLE TO
426-BE WILLFUL, THE COMMISSIONER MAY IMPO SE A CIVIL PENALTY N OT EXCEEDING
427-$1,000 FOR THE VIOLATION .
400+ (3) THE PRODUCTS OR COVE RAGES AVAILABLE THRO UGH THE 21
401+WELLNESS PROGRAM MAY NOT DUPLICATE PRODUCTS O R COVERAGES AVAILABL E 22
402+THROUGH THE PET INSU RANCE POLICY; 23
428403
429- (3) A PENALTY IMPOSED UNDE R THIS SUBSECTION IS IN ADD ITION TO
430-ANY OTHER PENALTY PR OVIDED BY LAW.
404+ (4) THE ADVERTISING OF T HE WELLNESS PROGRAM SHALL 24
405+ACCURATELY AND CLEAR LY DESCRIBE THE WELL NESS PROGRAM ; AND 25
431406
432- (B) (1) SUBJECT TO PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION , THE
433-COMMISSIONER MAY SUSP END THE CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY OF A PE T INSURER
434-THAT FAILS TO COMPLY WITH AN ORDER OF THE COMMISSIONER WITHIN THE TIME
435-SET BY THE ORDER OR ANY EXTENSION OF THA T TIME GRANTED BY TH E
436-COMMISSIONER .
407+ (5) THE PET INSURER OR P ET INSURANCE PRODUCE R SHALL 26
408+CLEARLY AND I N 12 POINT BOLDFACE TYPE DISCLOSE TO CONSUMER S: 27
437409
438- (2) THE COMMISSIONER MAY NOT SUSPEND THE CERTIFIC ATE OF
439-AUTHORITY OF A PET I NSURER FOR FAILURE T O COMPLY WITH AN ORD ER:
410+ (I) THAT, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED I N SUBSECTION (C) OF THIS 28
411+SECTION AND § 19–1107 OF THIS SUBTITLE , WELLNESS PROGRAMS AR E NOT 29
412+INSURANCE; 30
413+ 10 HOUSE BILL 647
440414
441- (I) UNTIL THE TIME SET F OR AN APPEAL FROM THE ORDER HAS
442-EXPIRED; OR
443415
444- (II) IF AN APPEAL HAS BEE N TAKEN, UNTIL THE ORDER HAS
445-BEEN AFFIRMED .
416+ (II) THE ADMINISTRATION ’S MAILING ADDRESS , 1
417+TOLL–FREE TELEPHONE NUMBER, AND WEBSITE ADDRESS ; AND 2
446418
447- (3) THE COMMISSIONER MAY DETE RMINE WHEN THE SUSPE NSION OF
448-A CERTIFICATE OF AUT HORITY BECOMES EFFEC TIVE.
419+ (III) THE ADDRESS AND CUST OMER SERVICE TELEPHO NE 3
420+NUMBER OF THE PET IN SURER OR PRODUCER OR INSURANCE PRODUCER O F 4
421+RECORD FOR THE PET I NSURER. 5
449422
450- (4) THE SUSPENSION SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT FOR THE PERIOD SET
451-BY THE COMMISSIONER :
423+ (C) COVERAGE THAT IS INCL UDED IN THE PET INSU RANCE POLICY 6
424+CONTRACT DESCRIBED AS A “WELLNESS” BENEFIT IS INSURANCE . 7
452425
453- (I) UNLESS THE COMMISSIONER MODIFIES OR RESCINDS THE
454-SUSPENSION; OR
455- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 740
426+19–1107. 8
456427
457-– 11 –
458- (II) UNTIL THE ORDER ON W HICH THE SUSPENSION IS BASED IS
459-MODIFIED, RESCINDED, OR REVERSED .
428+ IF A WELLNESS PROGRAM CONTRACTS TO INDEMNI FY OR TO PAY OR PROV IDE 9
429+A SPECIFIED DETERMIN ABLE AMOUNT OR BENEF IT ON THE OCCURRENCE OF A 10
430+DETERMINABLE CONTING ENCY, THE WELLNESS PROGRAM SHALL BE CONSIDERED 11
431+INSURANCE AND BE SUB JECT TO THE PROVISIO NS OF THIS ARTICLE A ND 12
432+REGULATIONS ADOPTED UNDER THIS ARTICLE . 13
460433
461- (C) (1) BEFORE THE COMMISSIONER IMPOSES A PENALTY OR SUSPENDS
462-OR REVOKES A CERTIFI CATE OF AUTHORITY UN DER THIS SUBTITLE , THE
463-COMMISSIONER SHALL IS SUE A WRITTEN ORDER THAT STATES THE FIND INGS OF
464-THE COMMISSIONER .
434+19–1108. 14
465435
466- (2) THE COMMISSIONER SHALL HO LD A HEARING BEFORE ISSUING
467-AN ORDER UNDER PARAG RAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION.
436+ (A) (1) IF THE COMMISSIONER FINDS TH AT A PERSON HAS VIOL ATED 15
437+THIS SUBTITLE, THE COMMISSIONER MAY IMPO SE A CIVIL PENALTY N OT EXCEEDING 16
438+$250 FOR EACH VIOLATION . 17
468439
469- (3) THE COMMISSIONER SHALL GI VE WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE
470-HEARING AT LEAST 10 DAYS BEFORE THE HEAR ING.
440+ (2) IF THE COMMISSIONER FINDS A VIOLATION OF THIS SU BTITLE TO 18
441+BE WILLFUL, THE COMMISSIONER MAY IMPO SE A CIVIL PENALTY N OT EXCEEDING 19
442+$1,000 FOR THE VIOLATION . 20
471443
472- (4) THE NOTICE SHALL SPEC IFY THE ALLEGED VIOL ATION.
444+ (3) A PENALTY IMPOSED UNDE R THIS SUBSECTION IS IN ADDITION TO 21
445+ANY OTHER PE NALTY PROVIDED BY LA W. 22
473446
474-19–1109.
447+ (B) (1) SUBJECT TO PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION , THE 23
448+COMMISSIONER MAY SUSP END THE CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY OF A PE T INSURER 24
449+THAT FAILS TO COMPLY WITH AN ORDER OF THE COMMISSIONER WITHIN T HE TIME 25
450+SET BY THE ORDER OR ANY EXTENSIO N OF THAT TIME GRANT ED BY THE 26
451+COMMISSIONER . 27
475452
476- THE COMMISSIONER MAY ADOP T REGULATIONS TO CAR RY OUT THIS
477-SUBTITLE.
453+ (2) THE COMMISSIONER MAY NOT SUSPEND THE CERTIFIC ATE OF 28
454+AUTHORITY OF A PET I NSURER FOR FAILURE T O COMPLY WITH AN ORD ER: 29
478455
479- SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, on or before June 1, 2025,
480-the Maryland Insurance Administration shall develop informational material about pet
481-insurance policies that may be disseminated to and posted by veterinary practitioners in
482-the State.
456+ (I) UNTIL THE TIME SET F OR AN APPEAL FROM TH E ORDER HAS 30
457+EXPIRED; OR 31
458+ HOUSE BILL 647 11
483459
484- SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall apply to all
485-policies and contracts of pet insurance issued, delivered, or renewed in the State on or after
486-January 1, 2025.
487460
488- SECTION 3. 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take ef fect
489-October January 1, 2024 2025.
461+ (II) IF AN APPEAL HAS BEEN TAKE N, UNTIL THE ORDER HAS 1
462+BEEN AFFIRMED . 2
490463
491-Approved by the Governor, May 16, 2024.
464+ (3) THE COMMISSIONER MAY DETE RMINE WHEN THE SUSPE NSION OF 3
465+A CERTIFICATE OF AUT HORITY BECOMES EFFEC TIVE. 4
466+
467+ (4) THE SUSPENSION SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT FOR THE PERIOD SET 5
468+BY THE COMMISSIONER : 6
469+
470+ (I) UNLESS THE COMMISSIONER MODIFIES OR RESCINDS THE 7
471+SUSPENSION; OR 8
472+
473+ (II) UNTIL THE ORDER ON W HICH THE SUSPENSION IS BASED IS 9
474+MODIFIED, RESCINDED, OR REVERSED . 10
475+
476+ (C) (1) BEFORE THE COMMISSIONER IMPOSES A PENALTY OR SUSPEND S 11
477+OR REVOKES A CERTIFI CATE OF AUT HORITY UNDER THIS SU BTITLE, THE 12
478+COMMISSIONER SHALL IS SUE A WRITTEN ORDER THAT STATES THE FIND INGS OF 13
479+THE COMMISSIONER . 14
480+
481+ (2) THE COMMISSIONER SHALL HO LD A HEARING BEFORE ISSUING 15
482+AN ORDER UNDER PARAG RAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION . 16
483+
484+ (3) THE COMMISSIONER SHALL GIVE WRITTEN N OTICE OF THE 17
485+HEARING AT LEAST 10 DAYS BEFORE THE HEAR ING. 18
486+
487+ (4) THE NOTICE SHALL SPEC IFY THE ALLEGED VIOL ATION. 19
488+
489+19–1109. 20
490+
491+ THE COMMISSIONER MAY ADOP T REGULATIONS TO CAR RY OUT THIS 21
492+SUBTITLE. 22
493+
494+ SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That , on or before June 1, 2025, 23
495+the Maryland Insurance Administration shall develop informational material about pet 24
496+insurance policies that may be disseminated to and posted by veterinary practitioners in 25
497+the State. 26
498+
499+ SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, Th at this Act shall apply to all 27
500+policies and contracts of pet insurance issued, delivered, or renewed in the State on or after 28
501+January 1, 2025. 29
502+
503+ SECTION 3. 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect 30
504+October January 1, 2024 2025. 31
505+