17. A small employer carrier, as a condition of transacting business in this State, may offer, on or after the effective date of P.L.2005, c.248 (C.17:48E-35.27 et al.), a health benefits plan pursuant to P.L.1992, c.162 (C.17B:27A-17 et seq.) that qualifies as a high deductible health plan for which qualified medical expenses are paid using a health savings account established pursuant to section 223 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.223), if that health benefits plan is offered to an eligible small employer that:
a. is a policy or contract holder prior to and on or after the effective date of P.L.2005, c.248 (C.17:48E-35.27 et al.) under a small employer health benefits plan issued pursuant to P.L.1992, c.162 (C.17B:27A-17 et seq.) which does not qualify as a high deductible health plan for which qualified medical expenses are paid using a health savings account established pursuant to section 223 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.223);
b. is not a policy or contract holder on or after the effective date of P.L.2005, c.248 (C.17:48E-35.27 et al.) under a small employer health benefits plan issued pursuant to P.L.1992, c.162 (C.17B:27A-17 et seq.) which does not qualify as a high deductible health plan for which qualified medical expenses are paid using a health savings account established pursuant to section 223 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.223) for a period of five years; or
c. was not a policy or contract holder under a small employer health benefits plan issued pursuant to P.L.1992, c.162 (C.17B:27A-17 et seq.) prior to the effective date of P.L.2005, c.248 (C.17:48E-35.27 et al.).