Alabama Administrative Code
Title 482 - ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE
Chapter 482-1-134 - HEALTH INSURANCE RESERVES
Section 482-1-134-.01 - Introduction

(a) The purpose of this chapter is to implement Chapter 36A of Title 27 of the Alabama Insurance Code, beginning with Section 27-36A-1, Code of Ala. 1975.

(b) These standards apply to all individual and group health (accident and sickness) insurance coverages including single premium credit disability insurance. All other credit insurance is not subject to this chapter.

(c) When an insurer determines that adequacy of its health insurance reserves requires reserves in excess of the minimum standards specified herein, such increased reserves shall be held and shall be considered the minimum reserves for that insurer.

(d) With respect to any block of contracts, or with respect to an insurer's health business as a whole, a prospective gross premium valuation is the ultimate test of reserve adequacy as of a given valuation date. Such a gross premium valuation will take into account, for contracts in force, in a claims status, or in a continuation of benefits status on the valuation date, the present value as of the valuation date of: all expected benefits unpaid, all expected expenses unpaid, and all unearned or expected premiums, adjusted for future premium increases reasonably expected to be put into effect.

(e) Such a gross premium valuation is to be performed whenever a significant doubt exists as to reserve adequacy with respect to any major block of contracts, or with respect to the insurer's health business as a whole. In the event inadequacy is found to exist, immediate loss recognition shall be made and the reserves restored to adequacy. Adequate reserves (inclusive of claim, premium and contract reserves, if any) shall be held with respect to all contracts, regardless of whether contract reserves are required for such contracts under these standards.

(f) Whenever minimum reserves, as defined in these standards, exceed reserve requirements as determined by a prospective gross premium valuation, such minimum reserves remain the minimum requirement under these standards.

(a) The following rules set forth minimum standards for three categories of health insurance reserves:

(b) Adequacy of an insurer's health insurance reserves is to be determined on the basis of all three categories combined. However, these standards emphasize the importance of determining appropriate reserves for each of the three categories separately.

(a) Appendix A. Specific minimum standards with respect to morbidity, mortality and interest, which apply to claim reserves according to year of incurral and to contract reserves according to year of issue.

(b) Appendix B. Glossary of Technical Terms Used.

(c) Appendix C. ( Supplementary) Waiver of Premium Reserves.