(a)    This section does not apply to any insurance enumerated in § 15–1201(i)(3)(i) through (xiii) of this subtitle.

(b)    A carrier shall issue its health benefit plans to each small employer that meets the requirements of this section.

(c)    (1)    Nothing in this subsection requires a small employer to contribute to the premium payments for coverage of a dependent of an eligible employee.

(2)    To be covered under a health benefit plan offered by a carrier, a small employer shall:

(i)    elect to be covered;

(ii)    agree to pay the premiums;

(iii)    agree to offer coverage to any dependent of an eligible employee when coverage is sought by the eligible employee, in accordance with provisions governing late enrollees and any other provisions of this subtitle that apply to coverage;

(iv)    agree to collect payments for premiums through payroll deductions for coverage of eligible employees and dependents and transmit those payments to the carrier or the SHOP Exchange, as applicable; and

(v)    satisfy other reasonable provisions of the health benefit plan as approved by the Commissioner.

(d)    (1)    In determining whether a small employer satisfies the requirements of this section, a carrier shall apply its requirements uniformly among all small employers with the same number of eligible employees who apply for or receive coverage from the carrier, including a requirement that a minimum percentage of eligible employees of the small employer participate in the health benefit plan.

(2)    A carrier may vary application of minimum participation of eligible employees only by the size of the group of the small employer.

(e)    A carrier may not require a small employer to contribute to payment of premiums for a health benefit plan.