West Virginia 2023 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HB3079

Introduced
1/26/23  

Caption

Relating to modify group accident and sickness insurance requirements

Impact

With the proposed changes set to take effect on July 1, 2023, the bill will significantly alter the landscape of group insurance offerings in West Virginia. By reducing the five-year establishment requirement and the mandate for a minimum of 100 members, the bill is anticipated to foster growth in association health plans. Employers and associations can expect more accessible options for providing health benefits to their employees, and the allowed self-insured arrangements can be tailored to specific member needs, potentially increasing coverage options for small businesses and self-employed individuals.

Summary

House Bill 3079 seeks to amend existing requirements surrounding group accident and sickness insurance in West Virginia. Specifically, the bill modifies stipulations related to ‘bona fide associations’, which can now sponsor and operate self-insured multiple employer welfare arrangements if they meet new criteria. This includes relaxing the previous waiting period and the minimum membership requirements, thus encouraging wider participation in such associations. The proposed changes reflect updates allowed under federal guidelines designed to enhance flexibility in group insurance options for employers and associations.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 3079 appears to be largely positive among proponents who view the bill as a progressive step towards increasing health coverage options and affordability for groups that have previously been marginalized due to stringent regulatory frameworks. However, concerns were raised by some stakeholders regarding the implications of self-insuring and the potential risks associated with financial stability and claims management within these newly formed arrangements.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the concerns regarding the financial oversight of these self-insured arrangements, as critics argue that relaxed regulations could lead to insufficient protections for employees seeking claims. Opponents contend that while flexibility may increase access, it could also result in varying levels of coverage quality and the potential for inadequacies in safeguarding member interests amidst the new operating freedoms granted to associations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV SB480

Modifying group accident and sickness insurance requirements

WV S2325

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

WV H7626

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

WV H6150

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

WV H5338

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

WV S0567

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

WV S2327

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

WV S2696

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

WV S0281

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

WV H7631

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

Similar Bills

CT HB05359

An Act Requiring Permits Issued By The Department Of Environmental Protection Be Adopted In Accordance With The Uniform Administrative Procedures Act.

CT HB05248

An Act Concerning Collateral Consequences Of Criminal Convictions On Occupational Licensing.

CT HB06767

An Act Concerning The Department Of Consumer Protection's Recommendations Regarding Licensing And Enforcement.

CT SB00453

An Act Concerning The State's Regulatory Environment.

LA HB614

Provides for licensing and regulation of individuals and entities as health insurance navigators for a health benefit exchange (RR1 +$44,000 SG EX See Note)

LA HB764

Provides for the licensing and regulation of health insurance navigators and similar individuals and entities

CA SB788

Insurance: licensing: requirements.

NJ A1762

Requires health insurance carriers to offer clear cost share plans for individual health benefits plans.