(1)__The percentage change in the new business premium rate measured from the first day of the prior rating period to the first day of the new rating period. In the case of a class of business for which the small group carrier is not issuing new policies, the carrier shall use the percentage change in the base premium rate;

(2)__An adjustment, not to exceed 15% annually and adjusted pro rata for rating periods of less than one year, due to the claim experience, health status or duration of coverage or the employees or dependents of the small employer as determined from the carrier's rate manual for the class of business; and

(3)__Any adjustment due to change in coverage or change in the case characteristics of the small employer as determined from the carrier's rate manual for the class of business.

D.__In the case of health benefit plans issued prior to the effective date of this section, a premium rate for a rating period may exceed the ranges described in paragraphs A or B for a period of 5 years following the effective date of this section. In that case, the percentage increase in the premium rate charged to a small employer in such a class of business for a new rating period may not exceed the sum of the following:

(1)__The percentage change in the new business premium rate measured from the first day of the prior rating period to the first day of the new rating period. In the case of a class of business for which the small group carrier is not issuing new policies, the carrier shall use the percentage change in the base premium rate; and

(2)__Any adjustment due to change in coverage or change in the case characteristics of the small employer as determined from the carrier's rate manual for the class of business.

E.__This section is not intended to affect the use by a small group carrier of legitimate rating factors other than claims experience, health status or duration of coverage in the determination of premium rates. A small group carrier shall apply rating factors, including case characteristics, consistently with respect to all small employers in a class of business.