Idaho Administrative Code
Title IDAPA 18 - Insurance, Department of
Rule 18.04.10 - MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE STANDARDS
Section 18.04.10.051 - LOSS RATIO STANDARDS AND REFUND OR CREDIT OF PREMIUM

Universal Citation: ID Admin Code 18.04.10.051

Current through August 31, 2023

01. Loss Ratio Standards. (3-31-22)

a. A Medicare supplement policy form or certificate form will not be delivered or issued for delivery unless the policy form or certificate form can be expected, as estimated for the entire period for which rates are computed to provide coverage, to return to policyholders and certificateholders in the form of aggregate benefits (not including anticipated refunds or credits) provided under the policy form or certificate form. (3-31-22)
i. At least seventy-five percent (75%) of the aggregate amount of premiums earned in the case of group policies; or (3-31-22)

ii. At least sixty-five percent (65%) of the aggregate amount of premiums earned in the case of individual policies; (3-31-22)

b. Calculated on the basis of incurred claims experience or incurred health care expenses where coverage is provided by a managed care organization on a service rather than reimbursement basis and earned premiums for the period and in accordance with accepted actuarial principles and practices. Incurred health care expenses where coverage is provided by a managed care organization will not include: (3-31-22)
i. Home office and overhead costs; (3-31-22)

ii. Advertising costs; (3-31-22)

iii. Commissions and other acquisition costs; (3-31-22)

iv. Taxes; (3-31-22)

v. Capital costs; (3-31-22)

vi. Administrative costs; and (3-31-22)

vii. Claims processing costs. (3-31-22)

c. All filings of rates and rating schedules demonstrate that expected claims in relation to premiums comply with the requirements of this section when combined with actual experience to date. Filings of rate revisions also demonstrate that the anticipated loss ratio over the entire future period for which the revised rates are computed to provide coverage can be expected to meet the appropriate loss ratio standards. Demonstrations, at a minimum, account for: (3-31-22)
i. Lapse rates; (3-31-22)

ii. Medical trend and rationale for trend; (3-31-22)

iii. Assumptions regarding future premium rate revisions; and (3-31-22)

iv. Interest rates for discounting and accumulating. (3-31-22)

d. For purposes of applying Paragraphs 051.01.a. and 056.05.b., only, policies issued as a result of solicitations of individuals through the mails or by mass media advertising (including both print and broadcast advertising) are individual policies. (3-31-22)

02. Refund or Credit Calculation. (3-31-22)

a. An issuer collects and files with the director by May 31 of each year the data contained in the applicable reporting form as defined by NAIC Model Regulation (Attachments) and accessible on the Department website for each type in a standard Medicare supplement benefit plan. (3-31-22)

b. If on the basis of the experience as reported the benchmark ratio since inception (ratio one (1)) exceeds the adjusted experience ratio since inception (ratio three (3)), then a refund or credit calculation is needed. The refund calculation is done on a statewide basis for each type in a standard Medicare supplement benefit plan. For purposes of the refund or credit calculation, experience on policies issued within the reporting year is excluded. (3-31-22)

c. For policies or certificates issued prior to July 1, 1992, the issuer makes the refund or credit calculation separately for all individual policies (including all group policies subject to an individual loss ratio standard when issued) combined and all other group policies combined for experience after July 1, 1992. (3-31-22)

d. A refund or credit is made only when the benchmark loss ratio exceeds the adjusted experience loss ratio and the amount to be refunded or credit exceeds a de minimis level. The refund includes interest from the end of the calendar year to the date of the refund or credit at a rate specified by the Secretary, but in no event less than the average rate of interest for thirteen (13) week Treasury notes. A refund or credit against premiums due is made by September 30 following the experience year upon which the refund or credit is based. (3-31-22)

03. Annual Filing of Premium Rates. An issuer of Medicare supplement policies and certificates in this state annually files its rates, rating schedule, and supporting documentation including ratios of incurred losses to earned premiums by policy duration for approval by the director in accordance with the filing requirements and procedures prescribed by the director. The supporting documentation demonstrates in accordance with actuarial standards of practice using reasonable assumptions that the appropriate loss ratio standards can be expected to be met over the entire period for which rates are computed. The demonstration excludes active life reserves. An expected third-year loss ratio which is greater than or equal to the applicable percentage is demonstrated for policies or certificates in force less than three (3) years. As soon as practicable, but prior to the effective date of enhancements in Medicare benefits, every issuer of Medicare supplement policies or certificates in this state files with the director, in accordance with the applicable filing procedures of this state: (3-31-22)

a. Appropriate premium adjustments necessary to produce loss ratios as anticipated for the current premium for the applicable policies or certificates. The supporting documents accompanying the filing need to justify the adjustment. (3-31-22)
i. An issuer's adjustments need to produce an expected loss ratio under the policy or certificate that conforms to minimum loss ratio standards for Medicare supplement policies and which are expected to result in a loss ratio at least as great as that originally anticipated in the rates used to produce current premiums by the issuer for the Medicare supplement policies or certificates. No premium adjustment which would modify the loss ratio experience under the policy other than the adjustments described herein is made with respect to a policy at any time other than upon its renewal date or anniversary date. (3-31-22)

ii. If an issuer fails to make premium adjustments acceptable to the director, the director may order premium adjustments, refunds, or premium credits deemed necessary to achieve the loss ratio prescribed by Section 051. (3-31-22)

b. Any appropriate riders, endorsements, or policy forms needed to accomplish the Medicare supplement policy or certificate modifications necessary to eliminate benefit duplications with Medicare. The riders, endorsements, or policy forms provides a clear description of the Medicare supplement benefits provided by the policy or certificate. (3-31-22)

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Idaho may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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