Proposes constitutional amendment dedicating certain assessments paid by mutual holding company to reduce health insurance premiums for the company's policyholders.
Impact
If enacted, the proposed amendment would modify Article VIII, Section II of the New Jersey Constitution to ensure that the revenue from the assessments paid by the mutual holding company is utilized specifically to decrease insurance premium costs for policyholders. This would represent a significant change in how assessment revenues can be appropriated, directing funds toward consumer benefits rather than leaving their use ambiguous. The constitutional amendment is expected to lower health coverage costs, providing financial relief to policyholders affected by the reorganization.
Summary
ACR90 is an Assembly Concurrent Resolution proposing a constitutional amendment in New Jersey that aims to mandate the allocation of certain assessments to reduce health insurance premiums for policyholders of a mutual holding company. The bill points to assessments that the health service corporation, specifically Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, is required to pay upon reorganization as a mutual holding company under existing law. Currently, there are no specified uses for the revenues generated from these assessments, which can total up to $650 million over a number of annual payments.
Contention
Despite the potential benefits of the amendment, there could be points of contention regarding the implications of directing such revenues towards premium reduction. Critics might argue this approach potentially limits the state’s ability to use funds generated from assessments for other pressing public health initiatives. Additionally, concerns surrounding the financial viability of the mutual holding company could also arise, as critics would want to ensure that the corporation can still operate effectively without jeopardizing its financial health post-reorganization. As the bill progresses, stakeholder discussions will likely focus on the balance between immediate consumer benefits and longer-term sustainability for health service providers.
Same As
Proposes constitutional amendment dedicating certain assessments paid by mutual holding company to reduce health insurance premiums for the company's policyholders.
Proposes constitutional amendment dedicating certain assessments paid by mutual holding company to reduce health insurance premiums for the company's policyholders.
Requires annual assessment paid by mutual holding company to solely fund health care initiatives; establishes Healthcare Rate Stabilization and Improvements Organization.
Requires annual assessment paid by mutual holding company to solely fund health care initiatives; establishes Healthcare Rate Stabilization and Improvements Organization.