(2) “Individual Exchange” has the meaning stated in § 31-101 of this article.

(3) “Qualified health plan” has the meaning stated in § 31-101 of this article.

(4) “Qualified individual” has the meaning stated in § 31-101 of this article.

(b) This section applies to a qualified health plan that is issued on or after January 1, 2014, by a carrier through the Individual Exchange.

(c) A qualified health plan subject to this section shall include a grace period provision applicable to a qualified individual who:

(1) is receiving advance payments of federal premium tax credits; and

(2) fails to pay premiums timely.

(d) The grace period provision shall:

(1) provide a grace period of 3 consecutive months after the initial premium payment to begin coverage has been paid;

(2) apply to qualified health plans renewed in accordance with § 15-1309 of this subtitle without the qualified individual having to pay the first month’s premium following renewal; and

(3) be in addition to any other grace period provision required by any other applicable State law.

(e) During the grace period, a carrier that issues a qualified health plan subject to this section:

(1) shall pay all appropriate claims for services rendered to the qualified individual during the first month of the grace period;

(2) may pend claims for services rendered to the qualified individual in the second and third months of the grace period;

(3) shall notify the federal Department of Health and Human Services that the qualified individual is in the grace period; and

(4) shall notify providers of the possibility that claims may be denied when a qualified individual is in the second and third months of the grace period.