Sec. 31.10.14.06. Procedure for Rate Reduction

If the report referred to in Regulation .05 of this chapter with respect to a policy form or combination of similar policy forms indicates that the form or forms are not meeting the loss ratio requirements of Regulation .03 of this chapter, the insurer, within 30 days after the due date of the report, shall file for an appropriate reduction in premium to be effective not later than 90 days after the due date of the report. The filing shall include an actuarial memorandum as described in Regulation .04 of this chapter. If the insurer does not propose a reduced premium which in the opinion of the Commissioner meets the requirements of these regulations, the Commissioner shall afford the insurer a hearing upon due notice. If, as a result of the hearing, the Commissioner finds that the premium proposed to be charged by the insurer would not be likely to result in a loss ratio meeting the requirements of these regulations, he may withdraw approval of the affected policy form or forms in accordance with Insurance Article, §12-203(c)(5), Annotated Code of Maryland.

B. If a reduced premium is required, the insurer may offer the policy owner the option of obtaining increased benefits instead of the reduction in premium. The proposed benefit increase should be filed in accordance with Regulation .04 of this chapter.