Bill > H4948

This bill amends existing law to enhance the rate review examinations conducted by the health care access bureau within the division of insurance. The bill clarifies the definition of "rate review" to include examinations of payment rates for various health insurance plans. It establishes a health care access bureau overseen by a deputy commissioner, whose responsibilities include reviewing premium rates for health benefit plans, overseeing the small group and individual health insurance market, and ensuring the affordability of health plans for consumers. The deputy commissioner is tasked with developing affordability standards that consider the total costs for consumers and purchasers of health insurance, as well as the impact on the state's healthcare cost growth benchmark. The bill also mandates the review of data to understand the causes of premium increases and provider price variations, and outlines the appointment of key personnel within the bureau, including a chief health economist and chief actuary. Finally, it authorizes the commissioner to assess licensed health insurance carriers to fund the bureau's operations, with the collected funds used to cover operating expenses and compensate consultants.

Health and Social Services

Joint Committee on Financial Services (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4948