Regulations governing rating methodology, calculation of loss ratios

7. The commissioner, in consultation with the board, shall establish regulations governing the applicable rating methodology and manner in which loss ratios shall be calculated for health benefits plans permitted to be renewed or continued pursuant to the provisions of subsection j. of section 3 of P.L.1992, c.162 (C.17B:27A-19). In establishing these regulations, the commissioner may consider, but shall not be limited to, the impact of allowing these health benefits plans to continue to be rated separately from the standard health benefits plans established pursuant to subsection a. of section 3 of P.L.1992, c.162 (C.17B:27A-19) and on their own claims experience. If the commissioner determines that the continuation of separate rating pools adversely affects the small employer insurance market and serves to counter the public policy goals which led to the enactment of P.L.1992, c.162 (C.17B:27A-17 et seq.), the commissioner shall develop a methodology which creates a linkage between the standard health benefits plans established pursuant to subsection a. of section 3 of P.L.1992, c.162 (C.17B:27A-19) and the plans permitted to be continued or renewed pursuant to the provisions of subsection j. of section 3 of P.L.1992, c.162 (C.17B:27A-19) for the purpose of rating and loss ratio calculation. Regulations established under the provisions of this section shall detail all additional obligations of carriers continuing or renewing health benefits plans pursuant to the provisions of subsection j. of section 3 of P.L.1992, c.162 (C.17B:27A-19) which are necessary to meet the general requirements of P.L.1992, c.162 (C.17B:27A-17 et seq.). The regulations shall be adopted pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) no later than 180 days following the effective date of this act. Until such time as the regulations are adopted, the health benefits plans shall continue to be rated and subject to the loss ratio calculations in accordance with applicable law in effect on the effective date of P.L.1995, c.340.