Bill Text - SB131 (2015)

Authorizing individuals and certain businesses to purchase health insurance from out-of-state companies.


Revision: Dec. 16, 2015, midnight

SB 131-FN – AS INTRODUCED

2015 SESSION

15-0948

01/09

SENATE BILL 131-FN

AN ACT authorizing individuals and certain businesses to purchase health insurance from out-of-state companies.

SPONSORS: Sen. Sanborn, Dist 9; Sen. Bradley, Dist 3; Sen. Daniels, Dist 11; Sen. Little, Dist 8; Sen. Forrester, Dist 2; Sen. Birdsell, Dist 19

COMMITTEE: Commerce

ANALYSIS

This bill authorizes individuals and certain businesses to purchase health insurance from out-of-state companies. The bill grants rulemaking authority to the insurance commissioner for the purposes of the bill.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

15-0948

01/09

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Fifteen

AN ACT authorizing individuals and certain businesses to purchase health insurance from out-of-state companies.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 New Chapter; Health Care Insurance From Out-of-State Insurance Companies. Amend RSA?by inserting after chapter 404-I the following new chapter:

CHAPTER 404-J

HEALTH CARE INSURANCE FROM

OUT-OF-STATE INSURANCE COMPANIES

404-J:1 Health Care Insurance Purchased From Out-of-State Insurance Companies Authorized; Plan Requirements.

I. In this chapter “commissioner” means the insurance commissioner.

II. An individual who is a resident of this state or an employer with under 100 employees may purchase health insurance from out-of-state health insurance carriers which are approved by the state where the carrier does business.

404-J:2 Rulemaking. The commissioner shall adopt rules, pursuant to RSA?541-A, relative to:

I. Form and content of notifications for health insurance under this chapter.

II. Further definition of employer, if appropriate.

III. Procedures for resolution of disputes, including hearing procedures.

404-J:3 Applicability. This chapter shall not be construed to require the out-of-state insurers to offer or provide state-mandated health benefits required by New Hampshire law or rules in health insurance policies sold to New Hampshire residents.

404-J:4 Resolution of Disputes. Resolution of disputes between the insurer and the insured shall take place in New Hampshire in accordance with rules adopted by the commissioner under RSA 541-A.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

LBAO

15-0948

01/06/15

SB 131-FN - FISCAL NOTE

AN ACT authorizing individuals and certain businesses to purchase health insurance from out-of-state companies.

FISCAL IMPACT:

    The Insurance Department states this bill, as introduced, may decrease state general fund revenue, county expenditures and local expenditures by an indeterminable amount in FY 2015 and each year thereafter. There is no fiscal impact on county and local revenue or state expenditures.

METHODOLOGY:

    The Insurance Department states this bill authorizes individuals and certain businesses to purchase health insurance from out-of-state companies. The Department assumes these out-of-state policies would be subject to the premium tax. Since the out-of-state policies are not subject to the same benefit requirements as in-state insurers, these policies may be available at a reduced premium rate. To the extent that policyholders exercise this option, there could be a reduction in the premium tax base resulting in a reduction in the premium tax. County and local governments may experience a decrease in expenditures if they choose insurance from out-of-state companies.