Section 12. (a) The connector shall be authorized to apply a surcharge to all health benefit plans which shall be used only to pay for administrative and operational expenses of the connector; provided, however, that such a surcharge shall be applied uniformly to all health benefit plans offered through the connector and sub-connectors; provided further that a sub-connector may charge an additional fee to be used only to pay for additional administrative and operational expenses of the sub-connector. These surcharges shall not be used to pay any premium assistance payments under the commonwealth care health insurance program, as described in chapter 118H.

(b) Each carrier participating in the connector shall be required to furnish such reasonable reports as the board determines necessary to enable the executive director to carry out his duties under this chapter.

(c) The board may withdraw a health plan from the connector only after notice to the carrier.