Michigan Senate Bill SB0921

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/13/24
• Refer: 6/13/24

Caption

Insurance: health insurers; health insurance mandate review commission; establish. Amends 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.100 - 500.8302) by adding sec. 3478.

Impact

The creation of the mandated review commission represents a significant shift in how health insurance mandates are evaluated within Michigan state law. By requiring a thorough review before a health insurance mandate can be enacted, the bill aims to ensure that such mandates are indeed beneficial to the public and economically viable. This approach is intended to prevent any potential increases in insurance costs or reductions in insurance coverage quality that could result from hastily enacted mandates, thereby aiming to maintain a balance between public health needs and financial liabilities for insurance providers.

Summary

Senate Bill 0921 aims to amend the Michigan Insurance Code to establish a mandated review commission within the legislative council. This commission will be tasked with reviewing any health insurance mandate proposed within bills introduced in the Michigan legislature. The purpose of this review process is to evaluate each proposed mandate's social, financial, and medical efficacy using a comprehensive assessment framework. This includes examining the necessity and availability of the proposed health benefits, associated costs, and the impact on healthcare quality and accessibility for the state's residents.

Contention

While the bill is framed as a mechanism to protect both consumers and insurers, it is not without points of contention. Critics may argue that such a review process could delay the implementation of necessary health benefits, potentially hurting individuals who are in immediate need of specific coverage. Moreover, depending on the makeup of the commission and how its members are appointed and influenced, there could be concerns regarding bias in the assessment of proposed mandates. The balance between comprehensive scrutiny of insurance mandates and the timely availability of essential health benefits will be a focal point of discussion among stakeholders.