Section 120F. No company, officer or agent thereof shall make or permit a distinction, classification or discrimination, or otherwise recognize a difference in life expectancy, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, marital status or national origin in the terms or conditions of a group or individual annuity, pure endowment contract or certificate covering residents of the commonwealth which is issued or delivered within or without the commonwealth on or after January 1, 2009, including, but not limited to, the amount or method of payment of premiums or rate charges or in the benefits payable. A violation of this section shall constitute an unfair method of competition or an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of chapter 176D.