Minnesota Session Laws - 2010, Regular Session

CHAPTER 370--S.F.No. 1905

An act

relating to insurance; establishing a small group market working group; requiring a report.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin SMALL GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE MARKET WORKING GROUP. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of commerce shall convene a working group to study and report on the options available to increase rate predictability and stability for groups of 100 or fewer employees. Members of the working group shall include: new text end

new text begin (1) two representatives from the Minnesota Council of Health Plans; new text end

new text begin (2) two representatives from the Minnesota Association of Health Underwriters; new text end

new text begin (3) one representative from the Insurance Federation of Minnesota; new text end

new text begin (4) one representative from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce; new text end

new text begin (5) one representative from the National Federation of Independent Businesses - Minnesota; new text end

new text begin (6) two representatives from employers whose businesses employ 50 employees or fewer; new text end

new text begin (7) two representatives from employers whose businesses employ between 51 and 75 full-time employees; new text end

new text begin (8) two representatives from employers whose businesses employ between 76 and 100 full-time employees; new text end

new text begin (9) one representative from employees of businesses that employ 50 employees or fewer; new text end

new text begin (10) one representative from employees of businesses that employ between 51 and 100 full-time employees; new text end

new text begin (11) two senators, including one member from the majority party and one member from the minority party, appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration of the senate; new text end

new text begin (12) two members of the house of representatives, including one member appointed by the speaker of the house and one member appointed by the minority leader; and new text end

new text begin (13) the commissioner of commerce or the commissioner's designee. new text end

new text begin (b) The organizations listed in paragraph (a), clauses (1) through (5), must name their representatives to the commissioner of commerce no later than July 1, 2010. The commissioner of commerce must appoint individuals as listed in paragraph (a), clauses (6) through (10), no later than July 15, 2010. The legislative appointing authorities must appoint individuals as listed in paragraph (a), clauses (11) and (12), no later than July 15, 2010. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Duties; report. new text end

new text begin (a) The working group shall conduct a study analyzing the implications of expanding the small employer market to 100 employees. Topics to be addressed in the study include, but are not limited to: new text end

new text begin (1) analyzing implementation options in expanding the small group definition to 100 employees; new text end

new text begin (2) underwriting concerns and rating requirements and the implications of change in small group market size on the entire health insurance market, and limitations on renewal, enrollment methodologies, and processes; new text end

new text begin (3) costs for employers, employees, brokers, and health plans; new text end

new text begin (4) how to assist employers in understanding the implications of employers migrating from fully insured to self-insured and associated risks; new text end

new text begin (5) a uniform application form; new text end

new text begin (6) education and compliance issues related to the offering of Section 125 plans under Minnesota Statutes, section 62U.07; and new text end

new text begin (7) assuring compliance with federal law, including expeditious implementation of federal health care reform requirements. new text end

new text begin (b) By November 15, 2010, the working group shall submit a report on its findings, including proposed legislation, if any, to the Health Care Access Commission. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Administration. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of commerce or the commissioner's designee shall convene the first meeting of the working group no later than August 1, 2010. new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall provide assistance with research or background information and administrative support for the working group within the existing agency budget. new text end

new text begin (c) The working group expires June 30, 2011. new text end

Presented to the governor May 15, 2010

Signed by the governor May 19, 2010, 9:55 a.m.