A. Extension, Variance or Waiver of Data Submission Requirements. If a submitting entity is temporarily unable to meet the requirements of this Rule including the standards in the Data Submission Guide other than those outlined in the exceptions process in the DSG for specific data variables, a submitting entity may submit an exemption request to the Commissioner including the specific requirement to be extended, varied or waived; an explanation of the reason or cause; the methodology proposed to eliminate the necessity of the extension, variance or waiver, if applicable; and the time frame required to come into compliance. The Commissioner will respond in writing within 30 days to any exemption request.

B. Submission Exclusions. For purposes of clarity and without limiting the foregoing, the following data are excluded from this Rule: data related to a health benefit plan that is accident-only, specified disease, hospital indemnity and other fixed indemnity, long-term care, disability income, Medicare supplement, or other supplemental benefit coverage where benefits are paid directly to the covered individual.