summary
Introduced
01/29/2025
01/29/2025
In Committee
02/17/2025
02/17/2025
Crossed Over
02/12/2025
02/12/2025
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT TO DISCLOSE THE COST OF STATE GOVERNMENT HEALTH INSURANCE MANDATES ON NORTH CAROLINA'S EMPLOYERS AND TAXPAYERS. Whereas, the rising healthcare costs in North Carolina place a significant financial burden on individuals, families, employers, and taxpayers, greatly contribute to inflation, and make it increasingly difficult for residents to access essential healthcare services; and Whereas, North Carolina has intolerably high healthcare costs, with recent studies ranking the state 50th out of 50 in the United States; and Whereas, government-mandated health insurance requirements for employers in North Carolina lead to higher premiums, placing undue financial strain on employers, particularly small businesses; and Whereas, health insurance mandates on the North Carolina State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees carry a cost that is ultimately paid for by taxpayers and divert resources away from other critical public services and economic investments; and Whereas, many consumers in North Carolina are forced to pay for health insurance coverage they neither need nor use as a result of government-mandated benefits that do not align with their personal healthcare needs or preference; and Whereas, the continued escalation of healthcare costs driven by government mandates exacerbates the rising cost of living, as individuals and families struggle to afford both premiums and out-of-pocket expenses for necessary care, and the rising cost of doing business, as employers struggle to continue offering health insurance to employees; Now, therefore,
AI Summary
This bill introduces new requirements for the North Carolina General Assembly when proposing legislation that includes health benefit mandates, aimed at controlling healthcare costs and increasing transparency. Specifically, the bill defines "health benefit mandates" broadly, covering everything from mandated healthcare service coverage to cost-sharing mechanisms and pharmacy benefit manager regulations. Any proposed legislation containing new health benefit mandates must now simultaneously repeal an equal number of existing mandates, and include a provision appropriating recurring funds to cover the cost of the new mandate to the Department of the State Treasurer, State Health Plan, or relevant state agency. The bill also stipulates that any new health benefit mandates in Chapter 58 of the General Statutes that become effective after July 1, 2025, will automatically apply to the State Health Plan in the next plan year. An exception exists if an actuarial note indicates the mandates would decrease costs, in which case the repeal and appropriation requirements would not apply. The bill becomes effective 30 days after becoming law and applies to legislative pieces considered on or after that date, with the ultimate goal of mitigating rising healthcare costs in North Carolina by introducing more stringent review processes for health insurance mandates.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs, Health and Social Services, Labor and Employment
Sponsors (24)
Jim Burgin (R)*,
Amy Galey (R)*,
Benton Sawrey (R)*,
Ted Alexander (R),
Lisa Barnes (R),
Dan Blue (D),
Robert Brinson (R),
Danny Britt (R),
Kevin Corbin (R),
Warren Daniel (R),
Carl Ford (R),
Robert Hanig (R),
Ralph Hise (R),
Mark Hollo (R),
Steve Jarvis (R),
Dana Jones (R),
Paul Lowe (D),
Tom McInnis (R),
Tim Moffitt (R),
Buck Newton (R),
Paul Newton (R),
Brad Overcash (R),
Bill Rabon (R),
Eddie Settle (R),
Last Action
Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House (on 02/17/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S24 |
| BillText | https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/Senate/PDF/S24v2.pdf |
| Analysis - Summary S24-SMBC-4(e1)-v-2 | https://dashboard.ncleg.gov/api/Services/BillSummary/2025/S24-SMBC-4(e1)-v-2 |
| Analysis - Summary S24-SMBC-3(e1)-v-2 | https://dashboard.ncleg.gov/api/Services/BillSummary/2025/S24-SMBC-3(e1)-v-2 |
| Analysis - Summary S24-SMBC-2(e1)-v-2 | https://dashboard.ncleg.gov/api/Services/BillSummary/2025/S24-SMBC-2(e1)-v-2 |
| BillText | https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/Senate/PDF/S24v1.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/Senate/PDF/S24v0.pdf |
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