(a) Any time long-term care coverage is replaced, the sales commission that is paid by the insurer and that represents the percentage of the sale normally paid for first year sales of long-term care policies or certificates shall be calculated based on the difference between the annual premium of the replacement coverage and that of the original coverage. If the premium on the replacement product is less than or equal to the premium for the product being replaced, the sales commission shall be limited to the percentage of sale normally paid for renewal of long-term care policies or certificates. Replacement shall be contingent upon the insurer’s declaration that the replacement policy materially improves the position of the insured, pursuant to Section 10235.16. This provision does not apply to replacement coverage which is group insurance as described in subdivision (a) of Section 10231.6.

(b)  For purposes of this section, “commission or other compensation” includes pecuniary or nonpecuniary remuneration of any kind relating to the sale or renewal of the policy or certificate including, but not limited to, bonuses, gifts, prizes, awards, and finder’s fees.

(c)  Every long-term care insurer shall file with the commissioner within six months of the effective date of this section, its commission structure or an explanation of the insurer’s compensation plan. Any amendments to the commission structure shall be filed with the commissioner before implementation.

(Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 316, Sec. 1. Effective August 30, 1993.)