Mississippi House Bill HB1380

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Health insurance; prohibit premium surcharges based on vaccination or nonvaccination for the prevention of COVID-19.

Impact

The proposed amendments to Sections 83-9-3 and 25-15-15 of the Mississippi Code signify a crucial shift in health insurance regulation. By eliminating the ability to impose financial penalties based on vaccination status, the bill reinforces protections for public employees and residents, potentially affecting thousands of individuals involved in state and school employee health insurance plans. This measure could influence the accessibility and affordability of health insurance in Mississippi, particularly in a climate where vaccination status has often become a contentious and politically charged issue. The bill aims to ensure that health insurance remains equitable regardless of an individual's vaccination choice.

Summary

House Bill 1380 aims to amend the Mississippi Code of 1972 by prohibiting health insurance policies from including premium surcharges or differentials based on an individual's vaccination status against COVID-19. This legislation specifically targets individual and group health insurance policies issued within the state, ensuring that neither vaccinated nor unvaccinated individuals can be penalized through increased premiums. Additionally, it addresses provisions related to state and school employees’ health insurance plans, conveying that the governing board cannot impose such surcharges based on vaccination status for the prevention of COVID-19.

Contention

Supporters of HB1380 argue that it stands as a necessary protection for individuals who might face discrimination based on their vaccination choices. They propose that it upholds individual rights and resists a culture of punitive health policies. On the other hand, critics have raised concerns about the impacts on public health, questioning whether restricting surcharges undermines incentives for vaccinations, thereby potentially affecting communal health outcomes. The legislation reflects ongoing debates about vaccine mandates and health rights, encapsulating broader themes around personal choice versus public health responsibilities.