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Bill > HB590


MS HB590

MS HB590
Health Care Affordability Fund; create to reduce premiums and cost sharing for health insurance purchased on the exchange.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/03/2026

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An Act To Create The Health Care Affordability Fund As A Special Fund In The State Treasury And Provide That The Fund Shall Be Administered By The Commissioner Of Insurance; To Provide That The Purpose Of The Fund Is To Reduce Health Care Premiums And Cost Sharing For Mississippi Residents Who Purchase Health Care Coverage On The Federal Health Insurance Marketplace In Mississippi; To Provide That If The Federal Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act Is Repealed In Full Or In Part By An Act Of Congress Or Invalidated By The United States Supreme Court And Eliminates Or Reduces Comprehensive Health Care Coverage For Mississippi Residents Through Medicaid Or The Federal Health Insurance Marketplace In Mississippi, The Fund May Be Used To Maintain Coverage Through The Federal Health Insurance Marketplace In Mississippi; To Direct The Commissioner Of Insurance To Promulgate Rules To Provide Enhanced Premium And Cost-sharing Assistance To Individuals And Families For The Purchase Of Qualified Health Plans On The Federal Health Insurance Marketplace In Mississippi; To Amend Sections 27-15-103 And 27-15-109, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Provide An Additional Annual License Or Privilege Tax Of 3% Of The Gross Amount Of Premium Receipts Received From, And On Insurance Policies And Contracts Written In, Or Covering Risks Located In This State By Foreign And Domestic Health Insurance Companies And Associations Doing Business In This State; And For Related Purposes.

AI Summary

This bill establishes the Health Care Affordability Fund, administered by the Commissioner of Insurance, to reduce health insurance costs for Mississippi residents. The fund will be financed by an additional 3% tax on gross premium receipts from both foreign and domestic health insurance companies and associations doing business in the state, with provisions for this tax to be reduced if a similar federal fee is imposed. The fund's primary purpose is to lower premiums and cost-sharing for individuals and small businesses purchasing health coverage on the federal health insurance marketplace, and it can also be used to maintain marketplace coverage if the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is repealed or significantly altered, prioritizing those with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level. Additionally, the bill directs the Commissioner of Insurance to create rules for enhanced premium and cost-sharing assistance, develop a plan to extend coverage to uninsured residents, and report annually on the fund's performance and impact.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Died In Committee (on 02/03/2026)

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