Bill > S418

This bill authorizes the North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance to establish and operate a State-run Health Benefits Exchange, which is a marketplace for individuals and small businesses to purchase health insurance, as provided for under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). The bill gives the Commissioner broad powers to create and administer the Exchange, including the ability to change programs, adopt rules, establish policies, apply for federal funding, and create advisory boards. The bill removes previous restrictions that prohibited state agencies from taking actions toward creating a state-run health insurance exchange, and it appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Insurance for establishing and operating the Exchange starting in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Additionally, the bill makes some technical changes to the existing law, such as recodifying certain sections and adjusting language about the Commissioner's powers and duties. The implementation of a state-run health benefits exchange is intended to provide more local control and potentially better health insurance options for North Carolina residents.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S418