Bill > HB1019

This bill, titled the "Association Self-Funded Health Benefit Plan Coverage Act," allows professional or trade associations in Mississippi to offer their members health benefit coverage through self-funded plans regulated by another state's insurance department or the federal government, rather than Mississippi's own insurance laws. To qualify for this exemption, these plans must meet specific criteria, including being established for at least three years for purposes other than obtaining insurance, complying with their home state's laws and federal regulations like ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974), and operating on sound actuarial principles. Participants and prospective buyers must be clearly informed in writing that these plans are not regulated by Mississippi's Department of Insurance, are not covered by the Mississippi Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association, and that their costs, benefits, and the plan itself are not subject to Mississippi's insurance regulations. The Commissioner of Insurance can hire professionals to help review exemption requests, and the plan must designate the Commissioner as its agent for legal service in Mississippi. The bill also makes a conforming change to existing law to reflect these exemptions and takes effect on July 1, 2026.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1019.xml