Health Plans Senate Bill 322 and Companion House Bill 997 Association Health Plans (AHPs) and Short Term Limited Duration Plans (Skinny Plans) have long been allowed as a way for small businesses to band together to offer insurance coverage, similar to the way large employers do. The Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule in 2018 that allows insurers to charge higher premiums based on age, sell AHPs across state lines, and sell the plans to self-employed individuals. The legislation does the following: • Codifies the new federal regulations and expands the availability of these plans in Florida. • Requires the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) to evaluate the state’s current essential health benefits (EHB) benchmark plan that defines health benefits that must be covered. The benchmark plan is required by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). • The study must include a comparison of the overall costs in other states. • Requires each insurer or health maintenance organization (HMO) issuing major medical policies or contracts in Florida to offer at least one comprehensive major medical policy or contract that does not exclude, limit, deny, or delay coverage due to one or more preexisting medical conditions. However, the legislation does not address consumer costs for this type of policy. The future of this legislation is uncertain. In March 2019, a federal judge blocked key provisions of the DOL final rule. This prevents the creation of any new AHPs until additional guidance is provided. The legislation is now Chapter No. 2019-129, Laws of Florida, effective upon becoming law. Continuing Care Contracts House Bill 1033 and Companion Senate Bill 1070 Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) provide housing, household assistance, and a continuum of nursing care for seniors in exchange for payment of significant entrance fees and monthly fees. The legislation enhances the regulatory authority of the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) to protect residents by creating an early intervention system designed to identify, mitigate, or resolve financial issues so that a provider may avoid bankruptcy or insolvency. The legislation is now Chapter No. 2019-160, Laws of Florida, effective January 1, 2020
PASSED
Sponsored by Representative Yarborough and Senator Lee
PASSED
Sponsored by Representative Fischer and Senator Brandes
96
Monitored Bills
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