Bill > SB2704

This bill, known as the Association Self-Funded Health Benefit Plan Coverage Act, aims to expand health insurance options for members of professional and trade associations in Mississippi by allowing them to purchase coverage from self-funded plans that are regulated by another state's insurance department or the federal government, rather than Mississippi's. A "self-funded association health benefit plan" is defined as a plan established for members of such associations to provide group health benefits, and it must have been in existence for at least three years for purposes other than obtaining insurance. To be eligible for this exemption from Mississippi insurance laws, these plans must demonstrate compliance with their home jurisdiction's regulations, adhere to federal laws like the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), maintain sound financial practices, and not be offered to the general public. Importantly, individuals purchasing coverage under these plans will be explicitly notified that they are not regulated by the Mississippi Insurance Department, are not covered by the Mississippi Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association, and that the plan's costs, benefits, and overall operation are not subject to Mississippi's insurance regulations. The Mississippi Commissioner of Insurance is authorized to issue regulations to implement this act and can retain experts to review plans, with the costs borne by the plans themselves.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2704.xml