Effective January 1, 1996, every person purchasing a long-term care insurance contract in this state shall have the right to reduce the benefits of a long-term care contract without providing evidence of insurability. Such a reduction may include, for example, changes which result in a contract with a longer elimination period, a lower daily benefit, or a shorter benefit period: Provided, however, That an insurer shall not reduce benefits to a level below the minimum level which has been approved by the commissioner on the date the reduction of coverage is requested.