(a) Upon termination of his employment, other than by retirement, or his membership or upon the termination of the mass marketing plan, the insured member may maintain his policy in full force and effect for one year from the date of such termination with the same coverage, provided he shall notify the insurer of his intention to do so within thirty days of the date of such termination and shall have paid the premium applicable to the class of risk to which he belongs.
(b) The commissioner may promulgate regulations concerning the continuation of policies during temporary interruption of employment including but not limited to strikes, layoffs and other such absences.