§ 17B:27A-50 — Change of coverage by small employer; restrictions

15. a. A small employer who purchases a health benefits plan or rider pursuant to P.L.1992, c.162 (C.17B:27A-17 et seq.) shall not be permitted to purchase a health benefits plan or rider with a greater actuarial value until the first anniversary date of the small employer's existing health benefits plan. b. If, after the first anniversary date of a small employer's health benefits plan, the small employer purchases a health benefits plan or rider of greater actuarial value than the existing health benefits plan or rider, the small employer shall not be permitted to change his health benefits plan or rider to one of lesser actuarial value until the anniversary date of the small employer's existing health benefits plan. c. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a small employer who has purchased a health benefits plan or rider pursuant to P.L.1992, c.162 (C.17B:27A-17 et seq.) from purchasing a health benefits plan or rider of lesser actuarial value prior to the anniversary date of the existing health benefits plan or rider, if the existing plan or rider was purchased at least 12 months prior to the latest anniversary date of the plan or rider. L.1993,c.162,s.15.