ARTICLE 1: HEALTH CARE COST CONTAINMENT; CONSUMER EMPOWERMENT

Section 1: Health savings accounts for state employees required as part of collective bargaining negotiation proposal.
Sec. 2: Information web site for interpreter services establishment required.
Sec. 3: Definition of "net income" modified.
Sec. 4: "Internal Revenue Code" definition modified to reflect amendments by Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003.

ARTICLE 2: HEALTH CARE COST CONTAINMENT; COST SHIPPING

Section 1: Limit on state health care program expansion required.
Sec. 2: Study of cost shifting required.

ARTICLE 3: HEALTH CARE COST CONTAINMENT; REDUCING GOVERNMENT MANDATES

Section 1: Mandated benefits moratorium required.
Sec. 2: Small employer alternative benefit plans authorized.
Sec. 3: Repealer.

ARTICLE 4: HEALTH CARE COST CONTAINMENT; HEALTH PLAN COMPETITION AND REFORM

Section 1: Language modification.
Sec. 2: "Health maintenance organization" definition modified.
Sec. 3: "Person" definition modified.
Sec. 4: Out-of-state corporations authorized provided they obtain a certificate of authority.
Sec. 5: Application review procedures modified for certificates of authority.
Sec. 6: Technical language modification.
Sec. 7: Maximum premium amounts to charge for membership in comprehensive health insurance plans increased.
Sec. 8: State plan premium approval minimum and maximum amounts provided.
Sec. 9: Health maintenance organization regulatory authority change required.

ARTICLE 5: HEALTH CARE COST CONTAINMENT; MEDICAL MALPRACTICE REFORM

Section 1: Best practices guidelines declared absolute defense in medical malpractice cases.
Sec. 2: Health care provider actions limits on damages and attorney fees established.

AME
1-6-05