HF 1665

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 04/02/2013 11:37am

A bill for an act
relating to insurance; modifying pilot project requirements for the agricultural
cooperative health plan for farmers; amending Laws 2007, chapter 147, article
12, section 14, as amended.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Laws 2007, chapter 147, article 12, section 14, as amended by Laws 2010,
chapter 344, section 4, is amended to read:

Sec. 14. AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVE HEALTH PLAN FOR
FARMERS.

Subdivision 1.

Pilot project requirements.

Notwithstanding contrary provisions
of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 62H, the following apply to a joint self-insurance pilot
project administered by a trust new text begin , cooperative, or other entity new text end sponsored by one or more
agricultural cooperatives organized under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 308A or 308B, or
under a federal charter for the purpose of offering health coverage to members of the
cooperatives and their families, provided the project satisfies the other requirements of
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 62H:

(1) Minnesota Statutes, section 62H.02, paragraph (b), does not apply;

(2) the notice period required under Minnesota Statutes, section 62H.02, paragraph
(e), is 90 days;

(3) a joint self-insurance plan may elect to treat the sale of a health plan to or for an
employer that has only one eligible employee who has not waived coverage as the sale of an
individual health plan as allowed under Minnesota Statutes, section 62L.02, subdivision 26;

new text begin (4) Minnesota Statutes, section 62H.11, does not apply and, notwithstanding
contrary provisions of Minnesota law, the agricultural cooperatives may undertake
activities directly and through agents, brokers, third-party administrators, and other
entities to promote and market the health plan to members of the cooperatives prior to
filing and approval of the joint self-insurance plan;
new text end

new text begin (5) the joint self-insurance plan is exempt from the requirement in Minnesota
Statutes, section 62H.01, to have 1,000 covered enrollees at initial enrollment. The plan
must attain enrollment of 1,000 covered lives within one year after initial enrollment;
new text end

new text begin (6) Minnesota Statutes, section 62H.02, does not apply;
new text end

new text begin (7) the provision of section 62H.05 specifying the number of trustees does not apply;
new text end

new text begin (8) the commissioner may not deny an application or impose restrictions or
requirements on an application related to collectibility of premiums;
new text end

deleted text begin (4) deleted text end new text begin (9) new text end Minnesota Statutes, section 297I.05, subdivision 12, paragraph (c), applies;
and

deleted text begin (5) deleted text end new text begin (10) new text end the trust must pay the assessment for the Minnesota Comprehensive Health
Association as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 62E.11.

Subd. 2.

Evaluation and renewal.

The pilot project authorized under this section
is for a period of four years from the date of initial enrollment. The commissioner of
commerce shall grant an extension of four additional years if the trust provides evidence
that it remains in compliance with the requirements of this section and other applicable laws
and rules. If the commissioner determines that the operation of the trust has not improved
access, expanded health plan choices, or improved the affordability of health coverage
for farm families, or that it has significantly damaged access, choice, or affordability for
other consumers not enrolled in the trust, the commissioner shall provide at least 180 days'
advance written notice to the trust and to the chairs of the senate and house finance and
policy committees with jurisdiction over health and insurance of the commissioner's
intention not to renew the pilot project at the expiration of a four-year period.

Subd. 3.

Use of surplus lines.

Plans created under this section may use surplus lines
carriers to fulfill its obligations under chapter 62H.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end