(a) For purposes of section 3425 of the Insurance Law, limiting the cancellation and nonrenewal of insurance policies, the failure of an employer, association or organization to remit premiums when due for any reason (including but not limited to interruption or termination of employment or membership) shall not be regarded as “nonpayment of premium” by any insured under any such plan providing for remittance of premium by such employer, association or organization, unless such insured shall have been given written notice of such failure to remit and shall not himself have paid such premium by the later of:

(b) Any notice of cancellation or nonrenewal of any policy of an employee or member insured under a mass merchandising plan shall be accompanied by a notice to the employee or member that, at his request, the insurer will afford the employer, association or organization a reasonable opportunity to consult with the insured and to present facts in opposition to cancellation or nonrenewal.