Current with changes from the 2024 Legislative Session
Section 19-1106 - [Effective 1/1/2025] Restrictions on coverage for wellness programs(a) A pet insurer or pet insurance producer may not, except as provided in subsection (c) of this section and § 19-1107 of this subtitle, market a wellness program as a pet insurance policy.(b) If a pet insurer or pet insurance producer sells a wellness program:(1) the purchase of the wellness program may not be a requirement to purchase the pet insurance;(2) the costs and the terms and conditions of the wellness program shall be separate and identifiable from any pet insurance policy sold by a pet insurer or pet insurance producer;(3) the products or coverages available through the wellness program may not duplicate products or coverages available through the pet insurance policy;(4) the advertising of the wellness program shall accurately and clearly describe the wellness program; and(5) the pet insurer or pet insurance producer shall clearly and in 12 point boldface type disclose to consumers: (i) that, except as provided in subsection (c) of this section and § 19-1107 of this subtitle, wellness programs are not insurance;(ii) the Administration's mailing address, toll-free telephone number, and website address; and(iii) the address and customer service telephone number of the pet insurer or producer or insurance producer of record for the pet insurer.(c) Coverage that is included in the pet insurance policy contract described as a "wellness" benefit is insurance.Added by 2024 Md. Laws, Ch. 740,Sec. 1, eff. 1/1/2025.