New Jersey Assembly Bill A2329

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22

Caption

Requires 90 days' notice of cancellation or nonrenewal of stop loss insurance for small employer health benefits plans.

Impact

By requiring insurers to give advance notice, A2329 intends to protect small businesses from abrupt changes to their health coverage, which could have serious financial implications. This legislative measure ensures that small employers have sufficient time to prepare for the cancellation or nonrenewal of their insurance policies, thereby allowing them to source new coverage and maintain access to necessary health benefits for their employees.

Summary

A2329, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, mandates that insurers offering stop loss or excess risk insurance for small employer health benefits plans must provide a minimum of 90 days' written notice prior to the cancellation or nonrenewal of such policies. The bill aims to enhance transparency and allow small employers to make necessary adjustments or seek alternative coverage options without unexpected disruptions in their health insurance arrangements.

Contention

While the bill has gained support from small business advocates and those concerned with employer health insurance stability, some insurance industry representatives may argue that this requirement could restrict their flexibility in managing risk and could result in increased premiums or less favorable terms for small employers. The discussion may focus on balancing the interests of small businesses needing stability and the operational concerns of insurance providers.