Bill Summary for S 323 (2011-2012)

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View NCGA Bill Details2011-2012 Session
Senate Bill 323 (Public) Filed Thursday, March 10, 2011
TO MAKE CHANGES IN THE INSURANCE LAWS TO PRIVATIZE ONLINE AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSES FOR LICENSE APPLICANTS, ENSURE ACCURACY IN CERTIFICATES OF INSURANCE, REQUIRE PRIOR APPROVAL OF SMALL GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE RATES AND ENCOURAGE THE SALE OF CHILD-ONLY HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES, AMEND THE RISK-BASED CAPITAL LAW TO MAINTAIN NAIC ACCREDITATION, PROVIDE AN EXEMPTION FOR LICENSING OF CLAIMS INPUT EMPLOYEES FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES, PROHIBIT FEDERAL PREEMPTION OF CROP ADJUSTERS' REGULATION, AND EASE THE REGULATORY BURDEN ON THE ASSOCIATION AGGREGATE SECURITY SYSTEM.
Intro. by Apodaca.

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Bill summary

Conference report recommends the following changes to 4th edition to reconcile matters in controversy.
Increases the appropriations from the General Fund and the Highway Fund to the State Health Plan Reserve as follows: $7,119,541 for 2011-12 and $102,151,104 for 2012-13 from the General Fund, and $332,245 for 2011-12 and $4,767,052 for 2012-13 from the Highway Fund. The State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees may charge up to the listed monthly premiums for partially contributory coverage in 2011-12 and 2012-13 (deletes provisions allowing active members to participate in the Basic Plan at no cost). Specifies that premium rates for contributory coverage may increase by up to 5.3% (rather than 5.43%) in 2011-12 and by up to an additional 5.3% (rather than 5.43%) for 2012-13. Increases the copayment for generic prescriptions from $10 to $12. Changes employer contribution rates and amounts for 2011-13 with effective dates of July 1, 2011, and July 1, 2012. Makes conforming changes to provisions concerning noncontributory coverage.
Grants the State Treasurer authority to appoint an executive administrator, effective July 1, 2011 (was, effective when the act becomes law). Allows the State Treasurer to set a partially contributory rate of zero dollars, subject to approval by the Board of Trustees. Directs the State Treasurer and the Board of Trustees to: (1) examine the issue of moving to a calendar year, (2) find savings through wellness programs, Medicare Advantage plans, or other resources and use those savings to offer a premium-free option before July 1, 2013, and (3) strive to keep all premiums low by finding savings. Directs the State Health Plan to issue a Request for Proposals for a Medicare Advantage Plan before June 30, 2012.