Second Substitute H.B. 141
This document includes House Floor Amendments incorporated into the bill on Wed, Mar 5, 2014 at 8:15 PM by jeyring. -->
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7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill amends provisions related to health insurance and state and federal health care
10 reform.
11 Highlighted Provisions:
12 This bill:
13 . amends the period of time in which an employee of a state contractor must be
14 enrolled in health insurance to conform to federal law;
15 H. [
16 * work with the Legislature's Health Reform Task Force to develop a
17 Section 1332 Medicaid waiver; and
18 * submit an amendment of the Utah Premium Partnership and Primary Care
19 Network waiver to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to
20 incorporate the Access Utah program.
21 . amends the Utah Health Data Authority Act to facilitate:
22 . the coordination of eligibility for health insurance benefits; and
23 . cost and quality reports for episodes of care;
24 . amends the health insurance navigator license chapter of the Insurance Code to:
25 . create two types of navigator licenses;
26 . establish different training for the types of licenses; and
27 . add an exception to the license requirement for Indian health centers;
28 . amends the state Comprehensive Health Insurance Pool to:
29 . close the pool to new enrollees;
30 . pay out claims incurred by enrollees; and
31 . close down the business of the pool;
32 . permits an enrollee to re-new an insurance plan as long as permitted by federal
33 policy;
34 . establishes the state option for calculating the cost to the state if the state mandates
35 additional benefits to the PPACA essential health benefits;
36 . creates the Individual and Small Employer Risk Adjustment Act, which:
37 . requires the insurance commissioner to work with stakeholders to develop a
38 state based risk adjustment program for the individual and small group market;
39 . describes the risk adjustment models the commissioner may consider;
40 . requires the commissioner to report to the Legislature before implementing a
41 risk adjustment model;
42 . authorizes the commissioner to set fees for the operation of the risk adjustment
43 program; and
44 . establishes an Individual and Small Employer Risk Adjustment Enterprise Fund
45 for the operation of the program;
46 . requires the Office of Consumer Health Services, which runs the small employer
47 health insurance exchange, to provide the form required for the federal small
48 employer premium tax credit to small employers who purchase qualified health
49 plans; and
50 . makes technical and conforming amendments.
51 Money Appropriated in this Bill:
52 None
53 Other Special Clauses:
54 This bill provides an effective date.
55 This bill coordinates with H.B. 24, Insurance Related Amendments, by providing
56 superseding and substantive amendments.
57 This bill coordinates with H.B. 35, Reauthorization of Utah Health Data Authority Act,
58 by providing superseding and substantive amendments.
59 Utah Code Sections Affected:
60 AMENDS:
61 17B-2a-818.5 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 347
62 19-1-206 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 347
63 26-33a-106.1 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 279
64 26-33a-106.5 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 279
65 26-33a-109 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2010, Chapter 68
66 31A-4-115 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2002, Chapter 308
67 31A-8-402.3 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2004, Chapter 329
68 31A-22-721 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapter 284
69 31A-23b-205 , as enacted by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 341
70 31A-23b-206 , as enacted by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 341
71 31A-23b-211 , as enacted by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 341
72 31A-29-106 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 319
73 31A-29-110 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 347
74 31A-29-111 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapters 158 and 347
75 31A-29-113 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 319
76 31A-29-114 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2006, Chapter 95
77 31A-29-115 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2004, Chapter 2
78 31A-30-103 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 168
79 31A-30-107 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2009, Chapter 12
80 31A-30-108 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapter 284
81 31A-30-117 , as enacted by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 341
82 63A-5-205 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 347
83 63C-9-403 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 347
84 63I-1-231 (Effective 07/01/14), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapters 261
85 and 417
86 63M-1-2504 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 255
87 72-6-107.5 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 347
88 79-2-404 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 347
89 ENACTS:
90 31A-23b-202.5 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
91 31A-30-118 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
92 31A-30-301 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
93 31A-30-302 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
94 31A-30-303 , Utah Code Annotated 1953
95 Utah Code Sections Affected by Coordination Clause:
96 26-33a-106.1 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 279
97 31A-23b-205 , as enacted by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 341
98 31A-23b-206 , as enacted by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 341
99
100 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
101 Section 1. Section 17B-2a-818.5 is amended to read:
102 17B-2a-818.5. Contracting powers of public transit districts -- Health insurance
103 coverage.
104 (1) For purposes of this section:
105 (a) "Employee" means an "employee," "worker," or "operative" as defined in Section
106 34A-2-104 who:
107 (i) works at least 30 hours per calendar week; and
108 (ii) meets employer eligibility waiting requirements for health care insurance which
109 may not exceed the first day of the calendar month following [
110 hire.
111 (b) "Health benefit plan" has the same meaning as provided in Section 31A-1-301 .
112 (c) "Qualified health insurance coverage" is as defined in Section 26-40-115 .
113 (d) "Subcontractor" has the same meaning provided for in Section 63A-5-208 .
114 (2) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3), this section applies to a design or
115 construction contract entered into by the public transit district on or after July 1, 2009, and to a
116 prime contractor or to a subcontractor in accordance with Subsection (2)(b).
117 (b) (i) A prime contractor is subject to this section if the prime contract is in the
118 amount of $1,500,000 or greater.
119 (ii) A subcontractor is subject to this section if a subcontract is in the amount of
120 $750,000 or greater.
121 (3) This section does not apply if:
122 (a) the application of this section jeopardizes the receipt of federal funds;
123 (b) the contract is a sole source contract; or
124 (c) the contract is an emergency procurement.
125 (4) (a) This section does not apply to a change order as defined in Section 63G-6a-103 ,
126 or a modification to a contract, when the contract does not meet the initial threshold required
127 by Subsection (2).
128 (b) A person who intentionally uses change orders or contract modifications to
129 circumvent the requirements of Subsection (2) is guilty of an infraction.
130 (5) (a) A contractor subject to Subsection (2) shall demonstrate to the public transit
131 district that the contractor has and will maintain an offer of qualified health insurance coverage
132 for the contractor's employees and the employee's dependents during the duration of the
133 contract.
134 (b) If a subcontractor of the contractor is subject to Subsection (2)(b), the contractor
135 shall demonstrate to the public transit district that the subcontractor has and will maintain an
136 offer of qualified health insurance coverage for the subcontractor's employees and the
137 employee's dependents during the duration of the contract.
138 (c) (i) (A) A contractor who fails to meet the requirements of Subsection (5)(a) during
139 the duration of the contract is subject to penalties in accordance with an ordinance adopted by
140 the public transit district under Subsection (6).
141 (B) A contractor is not subject to penalties for the failure of a subcontractor to meet the
142 requirements of Subsection (5)(b).
143 (ii) (A) A subcontractor who fails to meet the requirements of Subsection (5)(b) during
144 the duration of the contract is subject to penalties in accordance with an ordinance adopted by
145 the public transit district under Subsection (6).
146 (B) A subcontractor is not subject to penalties for the failure of a contractor to meet the
147 requirements of Subsection (5)(a).
148 (6) The public transit district shall adopt ordinances:
149 (a) in coordination with:
150 (i) the Department of Environmental Quality in accordance with Section 19-1-206 ;
151 (ii) the Department of Natural Resources in accordance with Section 79-2-404 ;
152 (iii) the State Building Board in accordance with Section 63A-5-205 ;
153 (iv) the State Capitol Preservation Board in accordance with Section 63C-9-403 ; and
154 (v) the Department of Transportation in accordance with Section 72-6-107.5 ; and
155 (b) which establish:
156 (i) the requirements and procedures a contractor shall follow to demonstrate to the
157 public transit district compliance with this section which shall include:
158 (A) that a contractor will not have to demonstrate compliance with Subsection (5)(a) or
159 (b) more than twice in any 12-month period; and
160 (B) that the actuarially equivalent determination required for the qualified health
161 insurance coverage in Subsection (1) is met by the contractor if the contractor provides the
162 department or division with a written statement of actuarial equivalency from either:
163 (I) the Utah Insurance Department;
164 (II) an actuary selected by the contractor or the contractor's insurer; or
165 (III) an underwriter who is responsible for developing the employer group's premium
166 rates;
167 (ii) the penalties that may be imposed if a contractor or subcontractor intentionally
168 violates the provisions of this section, which may include:
169 (A) a three-month suspension of the contractor or subcontractor from entering into
170 future contracts with the public transit district upon the first violation;
171 (B) a six-month suspension of the contractor or subcontractor from entering into future
172 contracts with the public transit district upon the second violation;
173 (C) an action for debarment of the contractor or subcontractor in accordance with
174 Section 63G-6a-904 upon the third or subsequent violation; and
175 (D) monetary penalties which may not exceed 50% of the amount necessary to
176 purchase qualified health insurance coverage for employees and dependents of employees of
177 the contractor or subcontractor who were not offered qualified health insurance coverage
178 during the duration of the contract; and
179 (iii) a website on which the district shall post the benchmark for the qualified health
180 insurance coverage identified in Subsection (1)(c).
181 (7) (a) (i) In addition to the penalties imposed under Subsection (6)(b)(ii), a contractor
182 or subcontractor who intentionally violates the provisions of this section shall be liable to the
183 employee for health care costs that would have been covered by qualified health insurance
184 coverage.
185 (ii) An employer has an affirmative defense to a cause of action under Subsection
186 (7)(a)(i) if:
187 (A) the employer relied in good faith on a written statement of actuarial equivalency
188 provided by an:
189 (I) actuary; or
190 (II) underwriter who is responsible for developing the employer group's premium rates;
191 or
192 (B) a department or division determines that compliance with this section is not
193 required under the provisions of Subsection (3) or (4).
194 (b) An employee has a private right of action only against the employee's employer to
195 enforce the provisions of this Subsection (7).
196 (8) Any penalties imposed and collected under this section shall be deposited into the
197 Medicaid Restricted Account created in Section 26-18-402 .
198 (9) The failure of a contractor or subcontractor to provide qualified health insurance
199 coverage as required by this section:
200 (a) may not be the basis for a protest or other action from a prospective bidder, offeror,
201 or contractor under Section 63G-6a-1603 or any other provision in Title 63G, Chapter 6a, Utah
202 Procurement Code; and
203 (b) may not be used by the procurement entity or a prospective bidder, offeror, or
204 contractor as a basis for any action or suit that would suspend, disrupt, or terminate the design
205 or construction.
206 Section 2. Section 19-1-206 is amended to read:
207 19-1-206. Contracting powers of department -- Health insurance coverage.
208 (1) For purposes of this section:
209 (a) "Employee" means an "employee," "worker," or "operative" as defined in Section
210 34A-2-104 who:
211 (i) works at least 30 hours per calendar week; and
212 (ii) meets employer eligibility waiting requirements for health care insurance which
213 may not exceed the first day of the calendar month following [
214 hire.
215 (b) "Health benefit plan" has the same meaning as provided in Section 31A-1-301 .
216 (c) "Qualified health insurance coverage" is as defined in Section 26-40-115 .
217 (d) "Subcontractor" has the same meaning provided for in Section 63A-5-208 .
218 (2) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3), this section applies to a design or
219 construction contract entered into by or delegated to the department or a division or board of
220 the department on or after July 1, 2009, and to a prime contractor or subcontractor in
221 accordance with Subsection (2)(b).
222 (b) (i) A prime contractor is subject to this section if the prime contract is in the
223 amount of $1,500,000 or greater.
224 (ii) A subcontractor is subject to this section if a subcontract is in the amount of
225 $750,000 or greater.
226 (3) This section does not apply to contracts entered into by the department or a division
227 or board of the department if:
228 (a) the application of this section jeopardizes the receipt of federal funds;
229 (b) the contract or agreement is between:
230 (i) the department or a division or board of the department; and
231 (ii) (A) another agency of the state;
232 (B) the federal government;
233 (C) another state;
234 (D) an interstate agency;
235 (E) a political subdivision of this state; or
236 (F) a political subdivision of another state;
237 (c) the executive director determines that applying the requirements of this section to a
238 particular contract interferes with the effective response to an immediate health and safety
239 threat from the environment; or
240 (d) the contract is:
241 (i) a sole source contract; or
242 (ii) an emergency procurement.
243 (4) (a) This section does not apply to a change order as defined in Section 63G-6a-103 ,
244 or a modification to a contract, when the contract does not meet the initial threshold required
245 by Subsection (2).
246 (b) A person who intentionally uses change orders or contract modifications to
247 circumvent the requirements of Subsection (2) is guilty of an infraction.
248 (5) (a) A contractor subject to Subsection (2) shall demonstrate to the executive
249 director that the contractor has and will maintain an offer of qualified health insurance
250 coverage for the contractor's employees and the employees' dependents during the duration of
251 the contract.
252 (b) If a subcontractor of the contractor is subject to Subsection (2), the contractor shall
253 demonstrate to the executive director that the subcontractor has and will maintain an offer of
254 qualified health insurance coverage for the subcontractor's employees and the employees'
255 dependents during the duration of the contract.
256 (c) (i) (A) A contractor who fails to comply with Subsection (5)(a) during the duration
257 of the contract is subject to penalties in accordance with administrative rules adopted by the
258 department under Subsection (6).
259 (B) A contractor is not subject to penalties for the failure of a subcontractor to meet the
260 requirements of Subsection (5)(b).
261 (ii) (A) A subcontractor who fails to meet the requirements of Subsection (5)(b) during
262 the duration of the contract is subject to penalties in accordance with administrative rules
263 adopted by the department under Subsection (6).
264 (B) A subcontractor is not subject to penalties for the failure of a contractor to meet the
265 requirements of Subsection (5)(a).
266 (6) The department shall adopt administrative rules:
267 (a) in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act;
268 (b) in coordination with:
269 (i) a public transit district in accordance with Section 17B-2a-818.5 ;
270 (ii) the Department of Natural Resources in accordance with Section 79-2-404 ;
271 (iii) the State Building Board in accordance with Section 63A-5-205 ;
272 (iv) the State Capitol Preservation Board in accordance with Section 63C-9-403 ;
273 (v) the Department of Transportation in accordance with Section 72-6-107.5 ; and
274 (vi) the Legislature's Administrative Rules Review Committee; and
275 (c) which establish:
276 (i) the requirements and procedures a contractor shall follow to demonstrate to the
277 public transit district compliance with this section that shall include:
278 (A) that a contractor will not have to demonstrate compliance with Subsection (5)(a) or
279 (b) more than twice in any 12-month period; and
280 (B) that the actuarially equivalent determination required for the qualified health
281 insurance coverage in Subsection (1) is met by the contractor if the contractor provides the
282 department or division with a written statement of actuarial equivalency from either:
283 (I) the Utah Insurance Department;
284 (II) an actuary selected by the contractor or the contractor's insurer; or
285 (III) an underwriter who is responsible for developing the employer group's premium
286 rates;
287 (ii) the penalties that may be imposed if a contractor or subcontractor intentionally
288 violates the provisions of this section, which may include:
289 (A) a three-month suspension of the contractor or subcontractor from entering into
290 future contracts with the state upon the first violation;
291 (B) a six-month suspension of the contractor or subcontractor from entering into future
292 contracts with the state upon the second violation;
293 (C) an action for debarment of the contractor or subcontractor in accordance with
294 Section 63G-6a-904 upon the third or subsequent violation; and
295 (D) notwithstanding Section 19-1-303 , monetary penalties which may not exceed 50%
296 of the amount necessary to purchase qualified health insurance coverage for an employee and
297 the dependents of an employee of the contractor or subcontractor who was not offered qualified
298 health insurance coverage during the duration of the contract; and
299 (iii) a website on which the department shall post the benchmark for the qualified
300 health insurance coverage identified in Subsection (1)(c).
301 (7) (a) (i) In addition to the penalties imposed under Subsection (6)(c), a contractor or
302 subcontractor who intentionally violates the provisions of this section shall be liable to the
303 employee for health care costs that would have been covered by qualified health insurance
304 coverage.
305 (ii) An employer has an affirmative defense to a cause of action under Subsection
306 (7)(a)(i) if:
307 (A) the employer relied in good faith on a written statement of actuarial equivalency
308 provided by:
309 (I) an actuary; or
310 (II) an underwriter who is responsible for developing the employer group's premium
311 rates; or
312 (B) the department determines that compliance with this section is not required under
313 the provisions of Subsection (3) or (4).
314 (b) An employee has a private right of action only against the employee's employer to
315 enforce the provisions of this Subsection (7).
316 (8) Any penalties imposed and collected under this section shall be deposited into the
317 Medicaid Restricted Account created in Section 26-18-402 .
318 (9) The failure of a contractor or subcontractor to provide qualified health insurance
319 coverage as required by this section:
320 (a) may not be the basis for a protest or other action from a prospective bidder, offeror,
321 or contractor under Section 63G-6a-1603 or any other provision in Title 63G, Chapter 6a, Utah
322 Procurement Code; and
323 (b) may not be used by the procurement entity or a prospective bidder, offeror, or
324 contractor as a basis for any action or suit that would suspend, disrupt, or terminate the design
325 or construction.
326 Section 3. Section 26-33a-106.1 is amended to read:
327 26-33a-106.1. Health care cost and reimbursement data.
328 [
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350 26-33a-102 , to determine measurements of cost and reimbursements for risk-adjusted episodes
351 of health care;
352 [
353 group's health risk factor and characteristics of insurance arrangements that affect claims and
354 usage with [
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356 extent necessary for:
357 (i) risk adjusting; and
358 (ii) the review and analysis of health insurers' premiums and rate filings; and
359 [
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361 [
362 [
363 transparency in the health care market by reporting on:
364 [
365 available to the committee; and
366 [
367 [
368 States Bureau of Labor Statistics;
369 [
370 [
371 (d) provided on at least a monthly basis, enrollment data collected by the committee to
372 a not-for-profit, broad-based coalition of state health care insurers and health care providers
373 that are involved in the standardized electronic exchange of health data as described in Section
374 31A-22-614.5 , to the extent necessary:
375 (A) for the department or the Medicaid Office of the Inspector General to determine
376 insurance enrollment of an individual for the purpose of determining Medicaid third part
377 liability;
378 (B) for an insurer that is a data supplier, to determine insurance enrollment of an
379 individual for the purpose of coordination of health care benefits; and
380 (C) for a health care provider, to determine insurance enrollment for a patient for the
381 purpose of claims submission by the health care provider.
382 (2) (a) The Medicaid Office of Inspector General shall annually report to the
383 Legislature's Health and Human Services Interim Committee regarding how the office used the
384 data obtained under Subsection (1)(c)(iii) and the results of obtaining the data.
385 (b) A data supplier shall not be liable for a breach of or unlawful disclosure of the data
386 obtained by an entity described in Subsection (1)(c)(iii).
387 [
388 [
389 [
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393 Section 4. Section 26-33a-106.5 is amended to read:
394 26-33a-106.5. Comparative analyses.
395 (1) The committee may publish compilations or reports that compare and identify
396 health care providers or data suppliers from the data it collects under this chapter or from any
397 other source.
398 (2) (a) [
399 compilations or reports from the data it collects under this chapter or from any other source
400 which:
401 (i) contain the information described in Subsection (2)(b); and
402 (ii) compare and identify by name at least a majority of the health care facilities, health
403 care plans, and institutions in the state.
404 (b) [
405 Subsection (2) shall:
406 (i) be published at least annually; and
407 (ii) contain comparisons based on at least the following factors:
408 (A) nationally or other generally recognized quality standards;
409 (B) charges; and
410 (C) nationally recognized patient safety standards.
411 (3) The committee may contract with a private, independent analyst to evaluate the
412 standard comparative reports of the committee that identify, compare, or rank the performance
413 of data suppliers by name. The evaluation shall include a validation of statistical
414 methodologies, limitations, appropriateness of use, and comparisons using standard health
415 services research practice. The analyst shall be experienced in analyzing large databases from
416 multiple data suppliers and in evaluating health care issues of cost, quality, and access. The
417 results of the analyst's evaluation shall be released to the public before the standard
418 comparative analysis upon which it is based may be published by the committee.
419 (4) The committee shall adopt by rule a timetable for the collection and analysis of data
420 from multiple types of data suppliers.
421 (5) The comparative analysis required under Subsection (2) shall be available:
422 (a) free of charge and easily accessible to the public; and
423 (b) on the Health Insurance Exchange either directly or through a link.
424 (6) (a) The department shall include in the report required by Subsection (2)(b), or
425 include in a separate report, comparative information on commonly recognized or generally
426 agreed upon measures of cost and quality identified in accordance with Subsection (7), for:
427 (i) routine and preventive care; and
428 (ii) the treatment of diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses or conditions as
429 determined by the committee.
430 (b) The comparative information required by Subsection (6)(a) shall be based on data
431 collected under Subsection (2) and clinical data that may be available to the committee, and
432 shall [
433 (i) beginning December 31, 2014, results for health care facilities or institutions;
434 (ii) beginning December 31, 2014, results for health care providers by geographic
435 regions of the state;
436 [
437 practices at a clinic with five or more physicians; and
438 [
439 physician who practices at a clinic with less than five physicians, unless the physician requests
440 physician-level data to be published on a clinic level.
441 (c) The department:
442 (i) may publish information required by this Subsection (6) directly or through one or
443 more nonprofit, community-based health data organizations;
444 (ii) may use a private, independent analyst under Subsection (3) in preparing the report
445 required by this section; and
446 (iii) shall identify and report to the Legislature's Health and Human Services Interim
447 Committee by July 1, [
448
449 (d) A report published by the department under this Subsection (6):
450 (i) is subject to the requirements of Section 26-33a-107 ; and
451 (ii) shall, prior to being published by the department, be submitted to a neutral,
452 non-biased entity with a broad base of support from health care payers and health care
453 providers in accordance with Subsection (7) for the purpose of validating the report.
454 (7) (a) The Health Data Committee shall, through the department, for purposes of
455 Subsection (6)(a), use the quality measures that are developed and agreed upon by a neutral,
456 non-biased entity with a broad base of support from health care payers and health care
457 providers.
458 (b) If the entity described in Subsection (7)(a) does not submit the quality measures,
459 the department may select the appropriate number of quality measures for purposes of the
460 report required by Subsection (6).
461 (c) (i) For purposes of the reports published on or after July 1, [
462 department may not compare individual facilities or clinics as described in Subsections
463 (6)(b)(i) through [
464 department can not be appropriately validated, does not represent nationally recognized
465 measures, does not reflect the mix of cases seen at a clinic or facility, or is not sufficient for the
466 purposes of comparing providers.
467 (ii) The department shall report to the Legislature's Executive Appropriations
468 Committee prior to making a determination not to publish a report under Subsection (7)(c)(i).
469 Section 5. Section 26-33a-109 is amended to read:
470 26-33a-109. Exceptions to prohibition on disclosure of identifiable health data.
471 (1) The committee may not disclose any identifiable health data unless:
472 (a) the individual has authorized the disclosure; or
473 (b) the disclosure complies with the provisions of:
474 (i) this section[
475 (ii) insurance enrollment and coordination of benefits under Subsection
476 26-33a-104 (1)(b); or
477 (iii) risk adjusting under Subsection 26-33a-106.1 (1)(c)(iii).
478 (2) The committee shall consider the following when responding to a request for
479 disclosure of information that may include identifiable health data:
480 (a) whether the request comes from a person after that person has received approval to
481 do the specific research and statistical work from an institutional review board; and
482 (b) whether the requesting entity complies with the provisions of Subsection (3).
483 (3) A request for disclosure of information that may include identifiable health data
484 shall:
485 (a) be for a specified period; or
486 (b) be solely for bona fide research and statistical purposes as determined in
487 accordance with administrative rules adopted by the department, which shall require:
488 (i) the requesting entity to demonstrate to the department that the data is required for
489 the research and statistical purposes proposed by the requesting entity; and
490 (ii) the requesting entity to enter into a written agreement satisfactory to the department
491 to protect the data in accordance with this chapter or other applicable law.
492 (4) A person accessing identifiable health data pursuant to Subsection (3) may not
493 further disclose the identifiable health data:
494 (a) without prior approval of the department; and
495 (b) unless the identifiable health data is disclosed or identified by control number only.
496 Section 6. Section 31A-4-115 is amended to read:
497 31A-4-115. Plan of orderly withdrawal.
498 (1) (a) When an insurer intends to withdraw from writing a line of insurance in this
499 state or to reduce its total annual premium volume by 75% or more, the insurer shall file with
500 the commissioner a plan of orderly withdrawal.
501 (b) For purposes of this section, a discontinuance of a health benefit plan pursuant to
502 one of the following provisions is a withdrawal from a line of insurance:
503 (i) Subsection 31A-30-107 (3)(e); or
504 (ii) Subsection 31A-30-107.1 (3)(e).
505 (2) An insurer's plan of orderly withdrawal shall:
506 (a) indicate the date the insurer intends to begin and complete its withdrawal plan; and
507 (b) include provisions for:
508 (i) meeting the insurer's contractual obligations;
509 (ii) providing services to its Utah policyholders and claimants;
510 (iii) meeting any applicable statutory obligations; and
511 (iv) (A) the payment of a withdrawal fee of $50,000 to the Utah Comprehensive Health
512 Insurance Pool if:
513 (I) the insurer is an accident and health insurer; and
514 (II) the insurer's line of business is not assumed or placed with another insurer
515 approved by the commissioner; or
516 (B) the payment of a withdrawal fee of $50,000 to the department if:
517 (I) the insurer is not an accident and health insurer; and
518 (II) the insurer's line of business is not assumed or placed with another insurer
519 approved by the commissioner.
520 (3) The commissioner shall approve a plan of orderly withdrawal if the plan adequately
521 demonstrates that the insurer will:
522 (a) protect the interests of the people of the state;
523 (b) meet the insurer's contractual obligations;
524 (c) provide service to the insurer's Utah policyholders and claimants; and
525 (d) meet any applicable statutory obligations.
526 (4) Section 31A-2-302 governs the commissioner's approval or disapproval of a plan for
527 orderly withdrawal.
528 (5) The commissioner may require an insurer to increase the deposit maintained in
529 accordance with Section 31A-4-105 or Section 31A-4-105.5 and place the deposit in trust in
530 the name of the commissioner upon finding, after an adjudicative proceeding that:
531 (a) there is reasonable cause to conclude that the interests of the people of the state are
532 best served by such action; and
533 (b) the insurer:
534 (i) has filed a plan of orderly withdrawal; or
535 (ii) intends to:
536 (A) withdraw from writing a line of insurance in this state; or
537 (B) reduce the insurer's total annual premium volume by 75% or more.
538 (6) An insurer is subject to the civil penalties under Section 31A-2-308 , if the insurer:
539 (a) withdraws from writing insurance in this state; or
540 (b) reduces its total annual premium volume by 75% or more in any year without
541 having submitted a plan or receiving the commissioner's approval.
542 (7) An insurer that withdraws from writing all lines of insurance in this state may not
543 resume writing insurance in this state for five years unless[
544 the prohibition should be waived because the waiver is:
545 [
546 [
547 [
548 (8) The commissioner shall adopt rules necessary to implement this section.
549 Section 7. Section 31A-8-402.3 is amended to read:
550 31A-8-402.3. Discontinuance, nonrenewal, or changes to group health benefit
551 plans.
552 (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a group health benefit plan for a plan
553 sponsor is renewable and continues in force:
554 (a) with respect to all eligible employees and dependents; and
555 (b) at the option of the plan sponsor.
556 (2) A health benefit plan for a plan sponsor may be discontinued or nonrenewed[
557 for a network plan, if:
558 [
559 or works in:
560 [
561 [
562 [
563
564 (b) for coverage made available in the small or large employer market only through an
565 association, if:
566 (i) the employer's membership in the association ceases; and
567 (ii) the coverage is terminated uniformly without regard to any health status-related
568 factor relating to any covered individual.
569 (3) A health benefit plan for a plan sponsor may be discontinued if:
570 (a) a condition described in Subsection (2) exists;
571 (b) the plan sponsor fails to pay premiums or contributions in accordance with the
572 terms of the contract;
573 (c) the plan sponsor:
574 (i) performs an act or practice that constitutes fraud; or
575 (ii) makes an intentional misrepresentation of material fact under the terms of the
576 coverage;
577 (d) the insurer:
578 (i) elects to discontinue offering a particular health benefit product delivered or issued
579 for delivery in this state; and
580 (ii) (A) provides notice of the discontinuation in writing:
581 (I) to each plan sponsor, employee, or dependent of a plan sponsor or an employee; and
582 (II) at least 90 days before the date the coverage will be discontinued;
583 (B) provides notice of the discontinuation in writing:
584 (I) to the commissioner; and
585 (II) at least three working days prior to the date the notice is sent to the affected plan
586 sponsors, employees, and dependents of the plan sponsors or employees;
587 (C) offers to each plan sponsor, on a guaranteed issue basis, the option to purchase:
588 (I) all other health benefit products currently being offered by the insurer in the market;
589 or
590 (II) in the case of a large employer, any other health benefit product currently being
591 offered in that market; and
592 (D) in exercising the option to discontinue that product and in offering the option of
593 coverage in this section, acts uniformly without regard to:
594 (I) the claims experience of a plan sponsor;
595 (II) any health status-related factor relating to any covered participant or beneficiary; or
596 (III) any health status-related factor relating to any new participant or beneficiary who
597 may become eligible for the coverage; or
598 (e) the insurer:
599 (i) elects to discontinue all of the insurer's health benefit plans in:
600 (A) the small employer market;
601 (B) the large employer market; or
602 (C) both the small employer and large employer markets; and
603 (ii) (A) provides notice of the discontinuation in writing:
604 (I) to each plan sponsor, employee, or dependent of a plan sponsor or an employee; and
605 (II) at least 180 days before the date the coverage will be discontinued;
606 (B) provides notice of the discontinuation in writing:
607 (I) to the commissioner in each state in which an affected insured individual is known
608 to reside; and
609 (II) at least 30 working days prior to the date the notice is sent to the affected plan
610 sponsors, employees, and the dependents of the plan sponsors or employees;
611 (C) discontinues and nonrenews all plans issued or delivered for issuance in the
612 market; and
613 (D) provides a plan of orderly withdrawal as required by Section 31A-4-115 .
614 (4) A large employer health benefit plan may be discontinued or nonrenewed:
615 (a) if a condition described in Subsection (2) exists; or
616 (b) for noncompliance with the insurer's:
617 (i) minimum participation requirements; or
618 (ii) employer contribution requirements.
619 (5) A small employer health benefit plan may be discontinued or nonrenewed:
620 (a) if a condition described in Subsection (2) exists; or
621 (b) for noncompliance with the insurer's employer contribution requirements.
622 (6) A small employer health benefit plan may be nonrenewed:
623 (a) if a condition described in Subsection (2) exists; or
624 (b) for noncompliance with the insurer's minimum participation requirements.
625 (7) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (7)(d), an eligible employee may be
626 discontinued if after issuance of coverage the eligible employee:
627 (i) engages in an act or practice in connection with the coverage that constitutes fraud;
628 or
629 (ii) makes an intentional misrepresentation of material fact in connection with the
630 coverage.
631 (b) An eligible employee that is discontinued under Subsection (7)(a) may reenroll:
632 (i) 12 months after the date of discontinuance; and
633 (ii) if the plan sponsor's coverage is in effect at the time the eligible employee applies
634 to reenroll.
635 (c) At the time the eligible employee's coverage is discontinued under Subsection
636 (7)(a), the insurer shall notify the eligible employee of the right to reenroll when coverage is
637 discontinued.
638 (d) An eligible employee may not be discontinued under this Subsection (7) because of
639 a fraud or misrepresentation that relates to health status.
640 (8) For purposes of this section, a reference to "plan sponsor" includes a reference to
641 the employer:
642 (a) with respect to coverage provided to an employer member of the association; and
643 (b) if the health benefit plan is made available by an insurer in the employer market
644 only through:
645 (i) an association;
646 (ii) a trust; or
647 (iii) a discretionary group.
648 (9) An insurer may modify a health benefit plan for a plan sponsor only:
649 (a) at the time of coverage renewal; and
650 (b) if the modification is effective uniformly among all plans with that product.
651 Section 8. Section 31A-22-721 is amended to read:
652 31A-22-721. A health benefit plan for a plan sponsor -- Discontinuance and
653 nonrenewal.
654 (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a health benefit plan for a plan
655 sponsor is renewable and continues in force:
656 (a) with respect to all eligible employees and dependents; and
657 (b) at the option of the plan sponsor.
658 (2) A health benefit plan for a plan sponsor may be discontinued or nonrenewed[
659 for a network plan, if:
660 [
661 or works in:
662 [
663 [
664 [
665
666 (b) for coverage made available in the small or large employer market only through an
667 association, if:
668 (i) the employer's membership in the association ceases; and
669 (ii) the coverage is terminated uniformly without regard to any health status-related
670 factor relating to any covered individual.
671 (3) A health benefit plan for a plan sponsor may be discontinued if:
672 (a) a condition described in Subsection (2) exists;
673 (b) the plan sponsor fails to pay premiums or contributions in accordance with the
674 terms of the contract;
675 (c) the plan sponsor:
676 (i) performs an act or practice that constitutes fraud; or
677 (ii) makes an intentional misrepresentation of material fact under the terms of the
678 coverage;
679 (d) the insurer:
680 (i) elects to discontinue offering a particular health benefit product delivered or issued
681 for delivery in this state;
682 (ii) (A) provides notice of the discontinuation in writing:
683 (I) to each plan sponsor, employee, and dependent of a plan sponsor or employee; and
684 (II) at least 90 days before the date the coverage will be discontinued;
685 (B) provides notice of the discontinuation in writing:
686 (I) to the commissioner; and
687 (II) at least three working days prior to the date the notice is sent to the affected plan
688 sponsors, employees, and dependents of plan sponsors or employees;
689 (C) offers to each plan sponsor, on a guaranteed issue basis, the option to purchase any
690 other health benefit products currently being offered:
691 (I) by the insurer in the market; or
692 (II) in the case of a large employer, any other health benefit plan currently being
693 offered in that market; and
694 (D) in exercising the option to discontinue that product and in offering the option of
695 coverage in this section, the insurer acts uniformly without regard to:
696 (I) the claims experience of a plan sponsor;
697 (II) any health status-related factor relating to any covered participant or beneficiary; or
698 (III) any health status-related factor relating to a new participant or beneficiary who
699 may become eligible for coverage; or
700 (e) the insurer:
701 (i) elects to discontinue all of the insurer's health benefit plans:
702 (A) in the small employer market; or
703 (B) the large employer market; or
704 (C) both the small and large employer markets; and
705 (ii) (A) provides notice of the discontinuance in writing:
706 (I) to each plan sponsor, employee, or dependent of a plan sponsor or an employee; and
707 (II) at least 180 days before the date the coverage will be discontinued;
708 (B) provides notice of the discontinuation in writing:
709 (I) to the commissioner in each state in which an affected insured individual is known
710 to reside; and
711 (II) at least 30 business days prior to the date the notice is sent to the affected plan
712 sponsors, employees, and dependents of a plan sponsor or employee;
713 (C) discontinues and nonrenews all plans issued or delivered for issuance in the
714 market; and
715 (D) provides a plan of orderly withdrawal as required by Section 31A-4-115 .
716 (4) A large employer health benefit plan may be discontinued or nonrenewed:
717 (a) if a condition described in Subsection (2) exists; or
718 (b) for noncompliance with the insurer's:
719 (i) minimum participation requirements; or
720 (ii) employer contribution requirements.
721 (5) A small employer health benefit plan may be discontinued or nonrenewed:
722 (a) if a condition described in Subsection (2) exists; or
723 (b) for noncompliance with the insurer's employer contribution requirements.
724 (6) A small employer health benefit plan may be nonrenewed:
725 (a) if a condition described in Subsection (2) exists; or
726 (b) for noncompliance with the insurer's minimum participation requirements.
727 (7) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (7)(d), an eligible employee may be
728 discontinued if after issuance of coverage the eligible employee:
729 (i) engages in an act or practice that constitutes fraud in connection with the coverage;
730 or
731 (ii) makes an intentional misrepresentation of material fact in connection with the
732 coverage.
733 (b) An eligible employee that is discontinued under Subsection (7)(a) may reenroll:
734 (i) 12 months after the date of discontinuance; and
735 (ii) if the plan sponsor's coverage is in effect at the time the eligible employee applies
736 to reenroll.
737 (c) At the time the eligible employee's coverage is discontinued under Subsection
738 (7)(a), the insurer shall notify the eligible employee of the right to reenroll when coverage is
739 discontinued.
740 (d) An eligible employee may not be discontinued under this Subsection (7) because of
741 a fraud or misrepresentation that relates to health status.
742 (8) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (8)(b), an insurer that elects to discontinue
743 offering a health benefit plan under Subsection (3)(e) shall be prohibited from writing new
744 business in such market in this state for a period of five years beginning on the date of
745 discontinuation of the last coverage that is discontinued.
746 (b) The commissioner may waive the prohibition under Subsection (8)(a) when the
747 commissioner finds that waiver is in the public interest:
748 (i) to promote competition; or
749 (ii) to resolve inequity in the marketplace.
750 (9) If an insurer is doing business in one established geographic service area of the
751 state, this section applies only to the insurer's operations in that geographic service area.
752 (10) An insurer may modify a health benefit plan for a plan sponsor only:
753 (a) at the time of coverage renewal; and
754 (b) if the modification is effective uniformly among all plans with a particular product
755 or service.
756 (11) For purposes of this section, a reference to "plan sponsor" includes a reference to
757 the employer:
758 (a) with respect to coverage provided to an employer member of the association; and
759 (b) if the health benefit plan is made available by an insurer in the employer market
760 only through:
761 (i) an association;
762 (ii) a trust; or
763 (iii) a discretionary group.
764 (12) (a) A small employer that, after purchasing a health benefit plan in the small group
765 market, employs on average more than 50 eligible employees on each business day in a
766 calendar year may continue to renew the health benefit plan purchased in the small group
767 market.
768 (b) A large employer that, after purchasing a health benefit plan in the large group
769 market, employs on average less than 51 eligible employees on each business day in a calendar
770 year may continue to renew the health benefit plan purchased in the large group market.
771 (13) An insurer offering employer sponsored health benefit plans shall comply with the
772 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 300gg and 300gg-1.
773 Section 9. Section 31A-23b-202.5 is enacted to read:
774 31A-23b-202.5. License types.
775 (1) A license issued under this chapter shall be issued under the license types described
776 in Subsection (2).
777 (2) A license type under this chapter shall be a navigator line of authority or a certified
778 application counselor line of authority. A license type is intended to describe the matters to be
779 considered under any education, examination, and training required of an applicant under this
780 chapter.
781 (3) (a) A navigator line of authority includes the enrollment process as described in
782 Subsection 31A-23b-102 (4)(a).
783 (b) (i) A certified application counselor line of authority is limited to providing
784 information and assistance to individuals and employees about public programs and premium
785 subsidies available through the exchange.
786 (ii) A certified application counselor line of authority does not allow the certified
787 application counselor to assist a person with the selection of or enrollment in a qualified health
788 plan offered on an exchange.
789 Section 10. Section 31A-23b-205 is amended to read:
790 31A-23b-205. Examination and training requirements.
791 (1) The commissioner may require [
792 examination and complete a training program as a requirement for a license.
793 (2) The examination described in Subsection (1) shall reasonably relate to:
794 (a) the duties and functions of a navigator;
795 (b) requirements for navigators as established by federal regulation under PPACA; and
796 (c) other requirements that may be established by the commissioner by administrative
797 rule.
798 (3) The examination may be administered by the commissioner or as otherwise
799 specified by administrative rule.
800 (4) The training required by Subsection (1) shall be approved by the commissioner and
801 shall include:
802 (a) accident and health insurance plans;
803 (b) qualifications for and enrollment in public programs;
804 (c) qualifications for and enrollment in premium subsidies;
805 (d) cultural and linguistic competence;
806 (e) conflict of interest standards;
807 (f) exchange functions; and
808 (g) other requirements that may be adopted by the commissioner by administrative
809 rule.
810 (5) (a) For the navigator line of authority, the training required by Subsection (1) shall
811 consist of at least 21 credit hours of training before obtaining the license, which shall include:
812 (i) at least two hours of training on defined contribution arrangements and the small
813 employer health insurance exchange; and
814 (ii) the navigator training and certification program developed by the Centers for
815 Medicare and Medicaid Services.
816 (b) For the certified application counselor line of authority, the training required by
817 Subsection (1) shall consist of at least six hours of training before obtaining a license, which
818 shall include:
819 (i) at least one hour of training on defined contribution arrangements and the small
820 employer health insurance exchange; and
821 (ii) the certified application counselor training and certification program developed by
822 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
823 [
824 who is a natural person.
825 Section 11. Section 31A-23b-206 is amended to read:
826 31A-23b-206. Continuing education requirements.
827 (1) The commissioner shall, by rule, prescribe continuing education requirements for a
828 navigator.
829 (2) (a) The commissioner may not require a degree from an institution of higher
830 education as part of continuing education.
831 (b) The commissioner may state a continuing education requirement in terms of hours
832 of instruction received in:
833 (i) accident and health insurance;
834 (ii) qualification for and enrollment in public programs;
835 (iii) qualification for and enrollment in premium subsidies;
836 (iv) cultural competency;
837 (v) conflict of interest standards; and
838 (vi) other exchange functions.
839 (3) (a) [
840 requirements shall require:
841 (i) that a licensee complete [
842 [
843 (ii) that [
844 ethics courses; [
845 [
846
847 (iii) that at least one of the 12 credit hours described in Subsection (3)(a)(i) be training
848 on defined contribution arrangements and the use of the small employer health insurance
849 exchange; and
850 (iv) that a licensee complete the annual navigator training and certification program
851 developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
852 (b) For a certified application counselor, the continuing education requirements shall
853 require:
854 (i) that a licensee complete six credit hours of continuing education for every one-year
855 licensing period;
856 (ii) that at least two of the six credit hours described in Subsection (3)(b)(i) be on
857 ethics courses;
858 (iii) that at least one of the six credit hours described in Subsection (3)(b)(i) be training
859 on defined contribution arrangements and the use of the small employer health insurance
860 exchange; and
861 (iv) that a licensee complete the annual certified application counselor training and
862 certification program developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
863 [
864 (3)(a)(i) and(b)(i) may be obtained through:
865 (i) classroom attendance;
866 (ii) home study;
867 (iii) watching a video recording; or
868 [
869 [
870 [
871 [
872 [
873 Act, the commissioner shall, by rule[
874
875
876 providers, including a state or national professional producer or consultant associations, to:
877 [
878 [
879 education program, subject to the review and approval of the commissioner.
880 (4) The commissioner shall approve a continuing education provider or a continuing
881 education course that satisfies the requirements of this section.
882 (5) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
883 commissioner shall by rule establish the procedures for continuing education provider
884 registration and course approval.
885 (6) This section applies only to a navigator who is a natural person.
886 (7) A navigator shall keep documentation of completing the continuing education
887 requirements of this section for two years after the end of the two-year licensing period to
888 which the continuing education applies.
889 Section 12. Section 31A-23b-211 is amended to read:
890 31A-23b-211. Exceptions to navigator licensing.
891 (1) For purposes of this section:
892 (a) "Negotiate" is as defined in Section 31A-23a-102 .
893 (b) "Sell" is as defined in Section 31A-23a-102 .
894 (c) "Solicit" is as defined in Section 31A-23a-102 .
895 (2) The commissioner may not require a license as a navigator of:
896 (a) a person who is employed by or contracts with:
897 (i) a health care facility that is licensed under Title 26, Chapter 21, Health Care Facility
898 Licensing and Inspection Act, to assist an individual with enrollment in a public program or an
899 application for premium subsidy; or
900 (ii) the state, a political subdivision of the state, an entity of a political subdivision of
901 the state, or a public school district to assist an individual with enrollment in a public program
902 or an application for premium subsidy;
903 (b) a federally qualified health center as defined by Section 1905(1)(2)(B) of the Social
904 Security Act which assists an individual with enrollment in a public program or an application
905 for premium subsidy;
906 (c) a person licensed under Chapter 23a, Insurance Marketing-Licensing, Consultants,
907 and Reinsurance Intermediaries, if the person is licensed in the appropriate line of authority to
908 sell, solicit, or negotiate accident and health insurance plans;
909 (d) an officer, director, or employee of a navigator:
910 (i) who does not receive compensation or commission from an insurer issuing an
911 insurance contract, an agency administering a public program, an individual who enrolled in a
912 public program or insurance product, or an exchange; and
913 (ii) whose activities:
914 (A) are executive, administrative, managerial, clerical, or a combination thereof;
915 (B) only indirectly relate to the sale, solicitation, or negotiation of insurance, or the
916 enrollment in a public program offered through the exchange;
917 (C) are in the capacity of a special agent or agency supervisor assisting an insurance
918 producer or navigator;
919 (D) are limited to providing technical advice and assistance to a licensed insurance
920 producer or navigator; or
921 (E) do not include the sale, solicitation, or negotiation of insurance, or the enrollment
922 in a public program; [
923 (e) a person who does not sell, solicit, or negotiate insurance and is not directly or
924 indirectly compensated by an insurer issuing an insurance contract, an agency administering a
925 public program, an individual who enrolled in a public program or insurance product, or an
926 exchange, including:
927 (i) an employer, association, officer, director, employee, or trustee of an employee trust
928 plan who is engaged in the administration or operation of a program:
929 (A) of employee benefits for the employer's or association's own employees or the
930 employees of a subsidiary or affiliate of an employer or association; and
931 (B) that involves the use of insurance issued by an insurer or enrollment in a public
932 health plan on an exchange;
933 (ii) an employee of an insurer or organization employed by an insurer who is engaging
934 in the inspection, rating, or classification of risk, or the supervision of training of insurance
935 producers; or
936 (iii) an employee who counsels or advises the employee's employer with regard to the
937 insurance interests of the employer, or a subsidiary or business affiliate of the employer[
938 (f) an Indian health clinic or Urban Indian Health Center, as defined in Title V of the
939 Indian Health Care Improvement Act, which assists a person with enrollment in a public
940 program or an application for a premium subsidy.
941 (3) The exemption from licensure under Subsections (2)(a) [
942 apply if a person described in Subsections (2)(a) [
943 insurance plan.
944 (4) The commissioner may by rule exempt a class of persons from the license
945 requirement of Subsection 31A-23b-201 (1) if:
946 (a) the functions performed by the class of persons do not require:
947 (i) special competence;
948 (ii) special trustworthiness; or
949 (iii) regulatory surveillance made possible by licensing; or
950 (b) other existing safeguards make regulation unnecessary.
951 Section 13. Section 31A-29-106 is amended to read:
952 31A-29-106. Powers of board.
953 (1) The board shall have the general powers and authority granted under the laws of
954 this state to insurance companies licensed to transact health care insurance business. In
955 addition, the board shall [
956 (a) have the specific authority to enter into contracts to carry out the provisions and
957 purposes of this chapter, including, with the approval of the commissioner, contracts with:
958 (i) similar pools of other states for the joint performance of common administrative
959 functions; or
960 (ii) persons or other organizations for the performance of administrative functions;
961 (b) sue or be sued, including taking such legal action necessary to avoid the payment of
962 improper claims against the pool or the coverage provided through the pool;
963 (c) establish appropriate rates, rate schedules, rate adjustments, expense allowances,
964 agents' referral fees, claim reserve formulas, and any other actuarial function appropriate to the
965 operation of the pool;
966 [
967 (d) (i) close enrollment in the plans issued by the pool and cancel the plans issued by
968 the pool in accordance with the plan of operation approved by the commissioner; and
969 (ii) close out the business of the pool in accordance with the plan of operation,
970 including processing and paying valid claims incurred by enrollees prior to the date enrollment
971 is closed under Subsection (1)(d)(i);
972 (e) retain an executive director and appropriate legal, actuarial, and other personnel as
973 necessary to provide technical assistance in the operations of the pool and to close pool
974 business in accordance with Subsection (1)(d);
975 (f) establish rules, conditions, and procedures for reinsuring risks under this chapter;
976 (g) cause the pool to have an annual and a final audit of its operations by the state
977 auditor;
978 [
979
980
981
982
983
984 [
985 preadmission certification, concurrent inpatient review, and individual case management for
986 the purpose of making the pool more cost-effective;
987 [
988
989
990 [
991 any enrollee;
992 [
993 and procedures for the purpose of protecting the financial viability of the pool;
994 [
995 [
996 Rulemaking Act, to implement this chapter;
997 [
998 marketing and publicizing the pool and its products; and
999 [
1000 part of the conversion to health insurance coverage, regardless of preexisting conditions, under
1001 PPACA.
1002 (2) (a) The board shall prepare and submit an annual and final report to the Legislature
1003 which shall include:
1004 (i) the net premiums anticipated;
1005 (ii) actuarial projections of payments required of the pool;
1006 (iii) the expenses of administration; and
1007 (iv) the anticipated reserves or losses of the pool.
1008 (b) The budget for operation of the pool is subject to the approval of the board.
1009 (c) The administrative budget of the board and the commissioner under this chapter
1010 shall comply with the requirements of Title 63J, Chapter 1, Budgetary Procedures Act, and is
1011 subject to review and approval by the Legislature.
1012 [
1013
1014
1015
1016 [
1017
1018 Section 14. Section 31A-29-110 is amended to read:
1019 31A-29-110. Pool administrator -- Selection -- Powers.
1020 (1) The board shall select a pool administrator in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter
1021 6a, Utah Procurement Code. The board shall evaluate bids based on criteria established by the
1022 board, which shall include:
1023 (a) ability to manage medical expenses;
1024 (b) proven ability to handle accident and health insurance;
1025 (c) efficiency of claim paying procedures;
1026 (d) marketing and underwriting;
1027 (e) proven ability for managed care and quality assurance;
1028 (f) provider contracting and discounts;
1029 (g) pharmacy benefit management;
1030 (h) an estimate of total charges for administering the pool; and
1031 (i) ability to administer the pool in a cost-efficient manner.
1032 (2) A pool administrator may be:
1033 (a) a health insurer;
1034 (b) a health maintenance organization;
1035 (c) a third-party administrator; or
1036 (d) any person or entity which has demonstrated ability to meet the criteria in
1037 Subsection (1).
1038 (3) [
1039
1040 Subsection 31A-29-106 (1)(d), subject to the terms, conditions, and limitations of the contract
1041 between the board and the administrator.
1042 [
1043
1044
1045 [
1046
1047 (4) The pool administrator is responsible for all operational functions of the pool and
1048 shall:
1049 (a) have access to all nonpatient specific experience data, statistics, treatment criteria,
1050 and guidelines compiled or adopted by the Medicaid program, the Public Employees Health
1051 Plan, the Department of Health, or the Insurance Department, and which are not otherwise
1052 declared by statute to be confidential;
1053 (b) perform all marketing, eligibility, enrollment, member agreements, and
1054 administrative claim payment functions relating to the pool;
1055 (c) establish, administer, and operate a monthly premium billing procedure for
1056 collection of premiums from enrollees;
1057 (d) perform all necessary functions to assure timely payment of benefits to enrollees,
1058 including:
1059 (i) making information available relating to the proper manner of submitting a claim
1060 for benefits to the pool administrator and distributing forms upon which submission shall be
1061 made; and
1062 (ii) evaluating the eligibility of each claim for payment by the pool;
1063 (e) submit regular reports to the board regarding the operation of the pool, the
1064 frequency, content, and form of which reports shall be determined by the board;
1065 (f) following the close of each calendar year, determine net written and earned
1066 premiums, the expense of administration, and the paid and incurred losses for the year and
1067 submit a report of this information to the board, the commissioner, and the Division of Finance
1068 on a form prescribed by the commissioner; and
1069 (g) be paid as provided in the plan of operation for expenses incurred in the
1070 performance of the pool administrator's services.
1071 Section 15. Section 31A-29-111 is amended to read:
1072 31A-29-111. Eligibility -- Limitations.
1073 (1) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(b) and Subsection 31A-29-106 (1)(d), an
1074 individual who is not HIPAA eligible is eligible for pool coverage if the individual:
1075 (i) pays the established premium;
1076 (ii) is a resident of this state; and
1077 (iii) meets the health underwriting criteria under Subsection (5)(a).
1078 (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (1)(a), an individual who is not HIPAA eligible is not
1079 eligible for pool coverage if one or more of the following conditions apply:
1080 (i) the individual is eligible for health care benefits under Medicaid or Medicare,
1081 except as provided in Section 31A-29-112 ;
1082 (ii) the individual has terminated coverage in the pool, unless:
1083 (A) 12 months have elapsed since the termination date; or
1084 (B) the individual demonstrates that creditable coverage has been involuntarily
1085 terminated for any reason other than nonpayment of premium;
1086 (iii) the pool has paid the maximum lifetime benefit to or on behalf of the individual;
1087 (iv) the individual is an inmate of a public institution;
1088 (v) the individual is eligible for a public health plan, as defined in federal regulations
1089 adopted pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 300gg;
1090 (vi) the individual's health condition does not meet the criteria established under
1091 Subsection (5);
1092 (vii) the individual is eligible for coverage under an employer group that offers a health
1093 benefit plan or a self-insurance arrangement to its eligible employees, dependents, or members
1094 as:
1095 (A) an eligible employee;
1096 (B) a dependent of an eligible employee; or
1097 (C) a member;
1098 (viii) the individual is covered under any other health benefit plan;
1099 (ix) except as provided in Subsections (3) and (6), at the time of application, the
1100 individual has not resided in Utah for at least 12 consecutive months preceding the date of
1101 application; or
1102 (x) the individual's employer pays any part of the individual's health benefit plan
1103 premium, either as an insured or a dependent, for pool coverage.
1104 (2) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (2)(b) and Subsection 31A-29-106 (1)(d), an
1105 individual who is HIPAA eligible is eligible for pool coverage if the individual:
1106 (i) pays the established premium; and
1107 (ii) is a resident of this state.
1108 (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (2)(a), a HIPAA eligible individual is not eligible for
1109 pool coverage if one or more of the following conditions apply:
1110 (i) the individual is eligible for health care benefits under Medicaid or Medicare,
1111 except as provided in Section 31A-29-112 ;
1112 (ii) the individual is eligible for a public health plan, as defined in federal regulations
1113 adopted pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 300gg;
1114 (iii) the individual is covered under any other health benefit plan;
1115 (iv) the individual is eligible for coverage under an employer group that offers a health
1116 benefit plan or self-insurance arrangements to its eligible employees, dependents, or members
1117 as:
1118 (A) an eligible employee;
1119 (B) a dependent of an eligible employee; or
1120 (C) a member;
1121 (v) the pool has paid the maximum lifetime benefit to or on behalf of the individual;
1122 (vi) the individual is an inmate of a public institution; or
1123 (vii) the individual's employer pays any part of the individual's health benefit plan
1124 premium, either as an insured or a dependent, for pool coverage.
1125 (3) (a) Notwithstanding Subsection (1)(b)(ix), if otherwise eligible under Subsection
1126 (1)(a), an individual whose health care insurance coverage from a state high risk pool with
1127 similar coverage is terminated because of nonresidency in another state is eligible for coverage
1128 under the pool subject to the conditions of Subsections (1)(b)(i) through (viii).
1129 (b) Coverage under Subsection (3)(a) shall be applied for within 63 days after the
1130 termination date of the previous high risk pool coverage.
1131 (c) The effective date of this state's pool coverage shall be the date of termination of
1132 the previous high risk pool coverage.
1133 (d) The waiting period of an individual with a preexisting condition applying for
1134 coverage under this chapter shall be waived:
1135 (i) to the extent to which the waiting period was satisfied under a similar plan from
1136 another state; and
1137 (ii) if the other state's benefit limitation was not reached.
1138 (4) (a) If an eligible individual applies for pool coverage within 30 days of being
1139 denied coverage by an individual carrier, the effective date for pool coverage shall be no later
1140 than the first day of the month following the date of submission of the completed insurance
1141 application to the carrier.
1142 (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (4)(a), for individuals eligible for coverage under
1143 Subsection (3), the effective date shall be the date of termination of the previous high risk pool
1144 coverage.
1145 (5) (a) The board shall establish and adjust, as necessary, health underwriting criteria
1146 based on:
1147 (i) health condition; and
1148 (ii) expected claims so that the expected claims are anticipated to remain within
1149 available funding.
1150 (b) The board, with approval of the commissioner, may contract with one or more
1151 providers under Title 63G, Chapter 6a, Utah Procurement Code, to develop underwriting
1152 criteria under Subsection (5)(a).
1153 (c) If an individual is denied coverage by the pool under the criteria established in
1154 Subsection (5)(a), the pool shall issue a certificate of insurability to the individual for coverage
1155 under [
1156 (6) (a) Notwithstanding Subsection (1)(b)(ix), if otherwise eligible under Subsection
1157 (1)(a), an individual whose individual health care insurance coverage was involuntarily
1158 terminated, is eligible for coverage under the pool subject to the conditions of Subsections
1159 (1)(b)(i) through (viii) and (x).
1160 (b) Coverage under Subsection (6)(a) shall be applied for within 63 days after the
1161 termination date of the previous individual health care insurance coverage.
1162 (c) The effective date of this state's pool coverage shall be the date of termination of
1163 the previous individual coverage.
1164 (d) The waiting period of an individual with a preexisting condition applying for
1165 coverage under this chapter shall be waived to the extent to which the waiting period was
1166 satisfied under the individual health insurance plan.
1167 Section 16. Section 31A-29-113 is amended to read:
1168 31A-29-113. Benefits -- Additional types of pool insurance -- Preexisting
1169 conditions -- Waiver -- Maximum benefits.
1170 (1) (a) The pool policy shall pay for eligible medical expenses rendered or furnished
1171 for the diagnoses or treatment of illness or injury that:
1172 (i) exceed the deductible and copayment amounts applicable under Section
1173 31A-29-114 ; and
1174 (ii) are not otherwise limited or excluded.
1175 (b) Eligible medical expenses are the allowed charges established by the board for the
1176 health care services and items rendered during times for which benefits are extended under the
1177 pool policy.
1178 (c) Section 31A-21-313 applies to coverage issued under this chapter.
1179 (2) The coverage to be issued by the pool, its schedule of benefits, exclusions, and
1180 other limitations shall be established by the board.
1181 (3) The commissioner shall approve the benefit package developed by the board to
1182 ensure its compliance with this chapter.
1183 [
1184
1185 [
1186 types of pool policies with different types of benefits which in the opinion of the board may be
1187 of benefit to the citizens of Utah.
1188 [
1189 containment measures and requirements including preadmission certification and concurrent
1190 inpatient review for the purpose of making the pool more cost effective.
1191 (b) Sections 31A-22-617 and 31A-22-618 do not apply to coverage issued under this
1192 chapter.
1193 [
1194 preexisting condition is excluded if:
1195 (i) the exclusion relates to a condition, regardless of the cause of the condition, for
1196 which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received, from an
1197 individual licensed or similarly authorized to provide such services under state law and
1198 operating within the scope of practice authorized by state law, within the six-month period
1199 ending on the effective date of plan coverage; and
1200 (ii) except as provided in Subsection (8), the exclusion extends for a period no longer
1201 than the six-month period following the effective date of plan coverage for a given individual.
1202 (b) Subsection [
1203 [
1204 preexisting pregnancy is excluded during a ten-month period following the effective date of
1205 plan coverage for a given individual.
1206 (b) Subsection [
1207 [
1208 Subsections [
1209 pool, to the extent to which similar exclusions have been satisfied under any prior health
1210 insurance coverage if the individual applies not later than 63 days following the date of
1211 involuntary termination, other than for nonpayment of premiums, from health coverage.
1212 (b) If this Subsection [
1213 date on which the prior coverage was terminated.
1214 [
1215 lifetime maximum, which includes a per enrollee calendar year maximum established by the
1216 board.
1217 Section 17. Section 31A-29-114 is amended to read:
1218 31A-29-114. Deductibles -- Copayments.
1219 (1) (a) A pool policy shall impose a deductible on a per calendar year basis.
1220 (b) At least two deductible plans shall be offered.
1221 (c) The deductible is applied to all of the eligible medical expenses [
1222
1223 are no benefits payable before the deductible has been satisfied.
1224 (d) The pool may offer separate deductibles for prescription benefits.
1225 (2) (a) A mandatory coinsurance requirement shall be imposed at the rate of at least
1226 20%, except for a qualified high deductible health plan, of eligible medical expenses in excess
1227 of the mandatory deductible.
1228 (b) Any coinsurance imposed under this Subsection (2) shall be designated in the pool
1229 policy.
1230 (3) The board shall establish maximum aggregate out-of-pocket payments for eligible
1231 medical expenses incurred by the enrollee for each of the deductible plans offered under
1232 Subsection (1)(b).
1233 (4) (a) When the enrollee has incurred the maximum aggregate out-of-pocket payments
1234 under Subsection (3), the board may establish a coinsurance requirement to be imposed on
1235 eligible medical expenses in excess of the maximum aggregate out-of-pocket expense.
1236 (b) The circumstances in which the coinsurance authorized by this Subsection (4) may
1237 be imposed shall be designated in the pool policy.
1238 (c) The coinsurance authorized by this Subsection (4) may be imposed at a rate not to
1239 exceed 5% of eligible medical expenses.
1240 (5) The limits on maximum aggregate out-of-pocket payments for eligible medical
1241 expenses incurred by the enrollee under this section may not include out-of-pocket payments
1242 for prescription benefits.
1243 Section 18. Section 31A-29-115 is amended to read:
1244 31A-29-115. Cancellation -- Notice.
1245 (1) [
1246 [
1247 Subsection 31A-29-111 (5); and
1248 [
1249 less than 60 days before cancellation[
1250 [
1251
1252 [
1253
1254
1255 (2) The pool may cancel an enrollee's policy at any time if:
1256 (a) the pool has provided written notice to the enrollee's last-known address no less
1257 than 15 days before cancellation; and
1258 (b) (i) the enrollee establishes a residency outside of Utah for three consecutive
1259 months;
1260 (ii) there is nonpayment of premiums; or
1261 (iii) the pool determines that the enrollee does not meet the eligibility requirements set
1262 forth in Section 31A-29-111 , in which case:
1263 (A) the policy may be retroactively terminated for the period of time in which the
1264 enrollee was not eligible;
1265 (B) retroactive termination may not exceed three years; and
1266 (C) the board's remedy under this Subsection (2)(b) shall be a cause of action against
1267 the enrollee for benefits paid during the period of ineligibility in accordance with Subsection
1268 31A-29-119 (3).
1269 Section 19. Section 31A-30-103 is amended to read:
1270 31A-30-103. Definitions.
1271 As used in this chapter:
1272 (1) "Actuarial certification" means a written statement by a member of the American
1273 Academy of Actuaries or other individual approved by the commissioner that a covered carrier
1274 is in compliance with Sections 31A-30-106 and 31A-30-106.1 , based upon the examination of
1275 the covered carrier, including review of the appropriate records and of the actuarial
1276 assumptions and methods used by the covered carrier in establishing premium rates for
1277 applicable health benefit plans.
1278 (2) "Affiliate" or "affiliated" means any entity or person who directly or indirectly
1279 through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control
1280 with, a specified entity or person.
1281 (3) "Base premium rate" means, for each class of business as to a rating period, the
1282 lowest premium rate charged or that could have been charged under a rating system for that
1283 class of business by the covered carrier to covered insureds with similar case characteristics for
1284 health benefit plans with the same or similar coverage.
1285 (4) (a) "Bona fide employer association" means an association of employers:
1286 (i) that meets the requirements of Subsection 31A-22-701 (2)(b);
1287 (ii) in which the employers of the association, either directly or indirectly, exercise
1288 control over the plan;
1289 (iii) that is organized:
1290 (A) based on a commonality of interest between the employers and their employees
1291 that participate in the plan by some common economic or representation interest or genuine
1292 organizational relationship unrelated to the provision of benefits; and
1293 (B) to act in the best interests of its employers to provide benefits for the employer's
1294 employees and their spouses and dependents, and other benefits relating to employment; and
1295 (iv) whose association sponsored health plan complies with 45 C.F.R. 146.121.
1296 (b) The commissioner shall consider the following with regard to determining whether
1297 an association of employers is a bona fide employer association under Subsection (4)(a):
1298 (i) how association members are solicited;
1299 (ii) who participates in the association;
1300 (iii) the process by which the association was formed;
1301 (iv) the purposes for which the association was formed, and what, if any, were the
1302 pre-existing relationships of its members;
1303 (v) the powers, rights and privileges of employer members; and
1304 (vi) who actually controls and directs the activities and operations of the benefit
1305 programs.
1306 (5) "Carrier" means any person or entity that provides health insurance in this state
1307 including:
1308 (a) an insurance company;
1309 (b) a prepaid hospital or medical care plan;
1310 (c) a health maintenance organization;
1311 (d) a multiple employer welfare arrangement; and
1312 (e) any other person or entity providing a health insurance plan under this title.
1313 (6) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (6)(b), "case characteristics" means
1314 demographic or other objective characteristics of a covered insured that are considered by the
1315 carrier in determining premium rates for the covered insured.
1316 (b) "Case characteristics" do not include:
1317 (i) duration of coverage since the policy was issued;
1318 (ii) claim experience; and
1319 (iii) health status.
1320 (7) "Class of business" means all or a separate grouping of covered insureds that is
1321 permitted by the commissioner in accordance with Section 31A-30-105 .
1322 (8) "Conversion policy" means a policy providing coverage under the conversion
1323 provisions required in Chapter 22, Part 7, Group Accident and Health Insurance.
1324 (9) "Covered carrier" means any individual carrier or small employer carrier subject to
1325 this chapter.
1326 (10) "Covered individual" means any individual who is covered under a health benefit
1327 plan subject to this chapter.
1328 (11) "Covered insureds" means small employers and individuals who are issued a
1329 health benefit plan that is subject to this chapter.
1330 (12) "Dependent" means an individual to the extent that the individual is defined to be
1331 a dependent by:
1332 (a) the health benefit plan covering the covered individual; and
1333 (b) Chapter 22, Part 6, Accident and Health Insurance.
1334 (13) "Established geographic service area" means a geographical area approved by the
1335 commissioner within which the carrier is authorized to provide coverage.
1336 (14) "Index rate" means, for each class of business as to a rating period for covered
1337 insureds with similar case characteristics, the arithmetic average of the applicable base
1338 premium rate and the corresponding highest premium rate.
1339 (15) "Individual carrier" means a carrier that provides coverage on an individual basis
1340 through a health benefit plan regardless of whether:
1341 (a) coverage is offered through:
1342 (i) an association;
1343 (ii) a trust;
1344 (iii) a discretionary group; or
1345 (iv) other similar groups; or
1346 (b) the policy or contract is situated out-of-state.
1347 (16) "Individual conversion policy" means a conversion policy issued to:
1348 (a) an individual; or
1349 (b) an individual with a family.
1350 (17) "Individual coverage count" means the number of natural persons covered under a
1351 carrier's health benefit products that are individual policies.
1352 (18) "Individual enrollment cap" means the percentage set by the commissioner in
1353 accordance with Section 31A-30-110 .
1354 (19) "New business premium rate" means, for each class of business as to a rating
1355 period, the lowest premium rate charged or offered, or that could have been charged or offered,
1356 by the carrier to covered insureds with similar case characteristics for newly issued health
1357 benefit plans with the same or similar coverage.
1358 (20) "Premium" means money paid by covered insureds and covered individuals as a
1359 condition of receiving coverage from a covered carrier, including any fees or other
1360 contributions associated with the health benefit plan.
1361 (21) (a) "Rating period" means the calendar period for which premium rates
1362 established by a covered carrier are assumed to be in effect, as determined by the carrier.
1363 (b) A covered carrier may not have:
1364 (i) more than one rating period in any calendar month; and
1365 (ii) no more than 12 rating periods in any calendar year.
1366 (22) "Resident" means an individual who has resided in this state for at least 12
1367 consecutive months immediately preceding the date of application.
1368 (23) "Short-term limited duration insurance" means a health benefit product that:
1369 (a) is not renewable; and
1370 (b) has an expiration date specified in the contract that is less than 364 days after the
1371 date the plan became effective.
1372 (24) "Small employer carrier" means a carrier that provides health benefit plans
1373 covering eligible employees of one or more small employers in this state, regardless of
1374 whether:
1375 (a) coverage is offered through:
1376 (i) an association;
1377 (ii) a trust;
1378 (iii) a discretionary group; or
1379 (iv) other similar grouping; or
1380 (b) the policy or contract is situated out-of-state.
1381 [
1382 [
1383
1384 [
1385 [
1386
1387
1388 [
1389
1390 [
1391
1392 [
1393
1394 Section 20. Section 31A-30-107 is amended to read:
1395 31A-30-107. Renewal -- Limitations -- Exclusions -- Discontinuance and
1396 nonrenewal.
1397 (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a small employer health benefit plan is
1398 renewable and continues in force:
1399 (a) with respect to all eligible employees and dependents; and
1400 (b) at the option of the plan sponsor.
1401 (2) A small employer health benefit plan may be discontinued or nonrenewed:
1402 (a) for a network plan, if[
1403 plan who lives, resides, or works in:
1404 [
1405 [
1406 [
1407
1408
1409 (b) for coverage made available in the small or large employer market only through an
1410 association, if:
1411 (i) the employer's membership in the association ceases; and
1412 (ii) the coverage is terminated uniformly without regard to any health status-related
1413 factor relating to any covered individual.
1414 (3) A small employer health benefit plan may be discontinued if:
1415 (a) a condition described in Subsection (2) exists;
1416 (b) except as prohibited by Section 31A-30-206 , the plan sponsor fails to pay
1417 premiums or contributions in accordance with the terms of the contract;
1418 (c) the plan sponsor:
1419 (i) performs an act or practice that constitutes fraud; or
1420 (ii) makes an intentional misrepresentation of material fact under the terms of the
1421 coverage;
1422 (d) the covered carrier:
1423 (i) elects to discontinue offering a particular small employer health benefit product
1424 delivered or issued for delivery in this state; and
1425 (ii) (A) provides notice of the discontinuation in writing:
1426 (I) to each plan sponsor, employee, or dependent of a plan sponsor or an employee; and
1427 (II) at least 90 days before the date the coverage will be discontinued;
1428 (B) provides notice of the discontinuation in writing:
1429 (I) to the commissioner; and
1430 (II) at least three working days prior to the date the notice is sent to the affected plan
1431 sponsors, employees, and dependents of the plan sponsors or employees;
1432 (C) offers to each plan sponsor, on a guaranteed issue basis, the option to purchase all
1433 other small employer health benefit products currently being offered by the small employer
1434 carrier in the market; and
1435 (D) in exercising the option to discontinue that product and in offering the option of
1436 coverage in this section, acts uniformly without regard to:
1437 (I) the claims experience of a plan sponsor;
1438 (II) any health status-related factor relating to any covered participant or beneficiary; or
1439 (III) any health status-related factor relating to any new participant or beneficiary who
1440 may become eligible for the coverage; or
1441 (e) the covered carrier:
1442 (i) elects to discontinue all of the covered carrier's small employer health benefit plans
1443 in:
1444 (A) the small employer market;
1445 (B) the large employer market; or
1446 (C) both the small employer and large employer markets; and
1447 (ii) (A) provides notice of the discontinuation in writing:
1448 (I) to each plan sponsor, employee, or dependent of a plan sponsor or an employee; and
1449 (II) at least 180 days before the date the coverage will be discontinued;
1450 (B) provides notice of the discontinuation in writing:
1451 (I) to the commissioner in each state in which an affected insured individual is known
1452 to reside; and
1453 (II) at least 30 working days prior to the date the notice is sent to the affected plan
1454 sponsors, employees, and the dependents of the plan sponsors or employees;
1455 (C) discontinues and nonrenews all plans issued or delivered for issuance in the
1456 market; and
1457 (D) provides a plan of orderly withdrawal as required by Section 31A-4-115 .
1458 (4) A small employer health benefit plan may be discontinued or nonrenewed:
1459 (a) if a condition described in Subsection (2) exists; or
1460 (b) except as prohibited by Section 31A-30-206 , for noncompliance with the insurer's
1461 employer contribution requirements.
1462 (5) A small employer health benefit plan may be nonrenewed:
1463 (a) if a condition described in Subsection (2) exists; or
1464 (b) except as prohibited by Section 31A-30-206 , for noncompliance with the insurer's
1465 minimum participation requirements.
1466 (6) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (6)(d), an eligible employee may be
1467 discontinued if after issuance of coverage the eligible employee:
1468 (i) engages in an act or practice that constitutes fraud in connection with the coverage;
1469 or
1470 (ii) makes an intentional misrepresentation of material fact in connection with the
1471 coverage.
1472 (b) An eligible employee that is discontinued under Subsection (6)(a) may reenroll:
1473 (i) 12 months after the date of discontinuance; and
1474 (ii) if the plan sponsor's coverage is in effect at the time the eligible employee applies
1475 to reenroll.
1476 (c) At the time the eligible employee's coverage is discontinued under Subsection
1477 (6)(a), the covered carrier shall notify the eligible employee of the right to reenroll when
1478 coverage is discontinued.
1479 (d) An eligible employee may not be discontinued under this Subsection (6) because of
1480 a fraud or misrepresentation that relates to health status.
1481 (7) For purposes of this section, a reference to "plan sponsor" includes a reference to
1482 the employer:
1483 (a) with respect to coverage provided to an employer member of the association; and
1484 (b) if the small employer health benefit plan is made available by a covered carrier in
1485 the employer market only through:
1486 (i) an association;
1487 (ii) a trust; or
1488 (iii) a discretionary group.
1489 (8) A covered carrier may modify a small employer health benefit plan only:
1490 (a) at the time of coverage renewal; and
1491 (b) if the modification is effective uniformly among all plans with that product.
1492 Section 21. Section 31A-30-108 is amended to read:
1493 31A-30-108. Eligibility for small employer and individual market.
1494 (1) (a) [
1495 accept a small employer that applies for small group coverage as set forth in the Health
1496 Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Sec. 2701(f) and 2711(a) and PPACA, Sec. 2702.
1497 [
1498 [
1499 [
1500 (b) An individual carrier shall accept an individual that applies for individual coverage
1501 as set forth in PPACA, Sec. 2702.
1502 (2) (a) [
1503 employees and their dependents at the same level of benefits under any health benefit plan
1504 provided to a small employer.
1505 (b) [
1506 (i) request a small employer to submit a copy of the small employer's quarterly income
1507 tax withholdings to determine whether the employees for whom coverage is provided or
1508 requested are bona fide employees of the small employer; and
1509 (ii) deny or terminate coverage if the small employer refuses to provide documentation
1510 requested under Subsection (2)(b)(i).
1511 [
1512
1513 [
1514 [
1515 [
1516 [
1517 [
1518 [
1519 [
1520
1521 [
1522
1523 [
1524 [
1525
1526 [
1527
1528 [
1529
1530 [
1531 [
1532 [
1533 [
1534 [
1535
1536
1537
1538 [
1539 [
1540
1541
1542
1543 [
1544
1545 [
1546 [
1547
1548 [
1549
1550
1551 [
1552
1553 [
1554 [
1555
1556 [
1557
1558 [
1559
1560 [
1561
1562 [
1563
1564 [
1565 [
1566 [
1567 [
1568
1569
1570
1571
1572 [
1573
1574 [
1575
1576 [
1577
1578 [
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1580 [
1581
1582
1583 [
1584 [
1585
1586 [
1587
1588 [
1589
1590
1591
1592 [
1593 [
1594 [
1595
1596 [
1597
1598 Section 22. Section 31A-30-117 is amended to read:
1599 31A-30-117. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act -- Market transition.
1600 (1) (a) After complying with the reporting requirements of Section 63M-1-2505.5 , the
1601 commissioner may adopt administrative rules that change the rating and underwriting
1602 requirements of this chapter as necessary to transition the insurance market to meet federal
1603 qualified health plan standards and rating practices under PPACA.
1604 (b) Administrative rules adopted by the commissioner under this section may include:
1605 (i) the regulation of health benefit plans as described in Subsections 31A-2-212 (5)(a)
1606 and (b); and
1607 (ii) disclosure of records and information required by PPACA and state law.
1608 (c) (i) The commissioner shall establish by administrative rule one statewide open
1609 enrollment period that applies to the individual insurance market that is not on the PPACA
1610 certified individual exchange.
1611 (ii) The statewide open enrollment period:
1612 (A) may be shorter, but no longer than the open enrollment period established for the
1613 individual insurance market offered in the PPACA certified exchange; and
1614 (B) may not be extended beyond the dates of the open enrollment period established
1615 for the individual insurance market offered in the PPACA certified exchange.
1616 (2) A carrier that offers health benefit plans in the individual market that is not part of
1617 the individual PPACA certified exchange:
1618 (a) shall open enrollment:
1619 (i) during the statewide open enrollment period established in Subsection (1)(c); and
1620 (ii) at other times, for qualifying events, as determined by administrative rule adopted
1621 by the commissioner; and
1622 (b) may open enrollment at any time.
1623 [
1624
1625 [
1626
1627
1628
1629 [
1630
1631
1632 [
1633
1634 [
1635 [
1636
1637 [
1638
1639
1640
1641
1642 (3) To the extent permitted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services policy,
1643 or federal regulation, the commissioner shall allow a health insurer to choose to continue
1644 coverage and individuals and small employers to choose to re-enroll in coverage in
1645 nongrandfathered health coverage that is not in compliance with market reforms required by
1646 PPACA.
1647 Section 23. Section 31A-30-118 is enacted to read:
1648 31A-30-118. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act -- State insurance
1649 mandates -- Cost of additional benefits.
1650 (1) (a) The commissioner shall identify a new mandated benefit that is in excess of the
1651 essential health benefits required by PPACA.
1652 (b) The state shall quantify the cost attributable to each additional mandated benefit
1653 specified in Subsection (1)(a) based on a qualified health plan issuer's calculation of the cost
1654 associated with the mandated benefit, which shall be:
1655 (i) calculated in accordance with generally accepted actuarial principles and
1656 methodologies;
1657 (ii) conducted by a member of the American Academy of Actuaries; and
1658 (iii) reported to the commissioner and to the individual exchange operating in the state.
1659 (c) The commissioner may require a proponent of a new mandated benefit under
1660 Subsection (1)(a) to provide the commissioner with a cost analysis conducted in accordance
1661 with Subsection (1)(b). The commissioner may use the cost information provided under this
1662 Subsection (1)(c) to establish estimates of the cost to the state under Subsection (2).
1663 (2) If the state is required to defray the cost of additional required benefits under the
1664 provisions of 45 C.F.R. 155.170:
1665 (a) the state shall make the required payments:
1666 (i) in accordance with Subsection (3); and
1667 (ii) directly to the qualified health plan issuer in accordance with 45 C.F.R. 155.170;
1668 (b) an issuer of a qualified health plan that receives a payment under the provisions of
1669 Subsection (1) and 45 C.F.R. 155.170 shall:
1670 (i) reduce the premium charged to the individual on whose behalf the issuer will be
1671 paid under Subsection (1), in an amount equal to the amount of the payment under Subsection
1672 (1); or
1673 (ii) notwithstanding Subsection 31A-23a-402.5 (5), provide a premium rebate to an
1674 individual on whose behalf the issuer received a payment under Subsection (1), in an amount
1675 equal to the amount of the payment under Subsection (1); and
1676 (c) a premium rebate made under this section is not a prohibited inducement under
1677 Section 31A-23a-402.5 .
1678 (3) A payment required under 45 C.F.R. 155.170(c) shall:
1679 (a) unless otherwise required by PPACA, be based on a statewide average of the cost
1680 of the additional benefit for all issuers who are entitled to payment under the provisions of 45
1681 C.F.R. 155.70; and
1682 (b) be submitted to an issuer through a process established and administered by:
1683 (i) the federal marketplace exchange for the state under PPACA for individual health
1684 plans; or
1685 (ii) Avenue H small employer market exchange for qualified health plans offered on
1686 the exchange.
1687 (4) The commissioner:
1688 (a) may adopt rules as necessary to administer the provisions of this section and 45
1689 C.F.R. 155.170; and
1690 (b) may not establish or implement the process for submitting the payments to an issuer
1691 under Subsection (3)(b)(i) unless the cost of establishing and implementing the process for
1692 submitting payments is paid for by the federal exchange marketplace.
1693 Section 24. Section 31A-30-301 is enacted to read:
1694
1695 31A-30-301. Title.
1696 This part is known as the "Individual and Small Employer Risk Adjustment Act."
1697 Section 25. Section 31A-30-302 is enacted to read:
1698 31A-30-302. Creation of state risk adjustment program.
1699 (1) The commissioner shall convene a group of stakeholders and actuaries to assist the
1700 commissioner with the evaluation or the risk adjustment options described in Subsection (2). If
1701 the commissioner determines that a state-based risk adjustment program is in the best interest
1702 of the state, the commissioner shall establish an individual and small employer market risk
1703 adjustment program in accordance with 42 U.S.C. 18063 and this section.
1704 (2) The risk adjustment program adopted by the commissioner may include one of the
1705 following models:
1706 (a) continue the United States Department of Health and Human Services
1707 administration of the federal model for risk adjustment for the individual and small employer
1708 market in the state;
1709 (b) have the state administer the federal model for risk adjustment for the individual
1710 and small employer market in the state;
1711 (c) establish and operate a state based risk adjustment program for the individual and
1712 small employer market in the state; or
1713 (d) another risk adjustment model developed by the commissioner under Subsection
1714 (1).
1715 (3) Before adopting one of the models described in Subsection (2), the commissioner:
1716 (a) may enter into contracts to carry out the services needed to evaluate and establish
1717 one of the risk adjustment options described in Subsection (2); and
1718 (b) shall, prior to October 30, 2014, comply with the reporting requirements of Section
1719 63M-1-2505.5 regarding the commissioner's evaluation of the risk adjustment options
1720 described in Subsection (2).
1721 (4) The commissioner may:
1722 (a) adopt administrative rules in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah
1723 Administrative Rulemaking Act, that require an insurer that is subject to the state based risk
1724 adjustment program to submit data to the all payers claims database created under Section
1725 26-33a-106.1 ; and
1726 (b) establish fees in accordance with Title 63J, Chapter 1, Budgetary Procedures Act,
1727 to cover the ongoing administrative cost of running the state based risk adjustment program.
1728 Section 26. Section 31A-30-303 is enacted to read:
1729 31A-30-303. Enterprise fund.
1730 (1) There is created an enterprise fund known as the Individual and Small Employer
1731 Risk Adjustment Enterprise Fund.
1732 (2) The following funds shall be credited to the fund:
1733 (a) appropriations from the General Fund;
1734 (b) fees established by the commissioner under Section 31A-30-302 ;
1735 (c) risk adjustment payments received from insurers participating in the risk adjustment
1736 program; and
1737 (d) all interest and dividends earned on the fund's assets.
1738 (3) All money received by the fund shall be deposited in compliance with Section
1739 51-4-1 and shall be held by the state treasurer and invested in accordance with Title 51,
1740 Chapter 7, State Money Management Act.
1741 (4) The fund shall comply with the accounting policies, procedures, and reporting
1742 requirements established by the Division of Finance.
1743 (5) The fund shall comply with Title 63A, Utah Administrative Services Code.
1744 (6) The fund shall be used to implement and operate the risk adjustment program
1745 created by this part.
1746 Section 27. Section 63A-5-205 is amended to read:
1747 63A-5-205. Contracting powers of director -- Retainage -- Health insurance
1748 coverage.
1749 (1) As used in this section:
1750 (a) "Capital developments" has the same meaning as provided in Section 63A-5-104 .
1751 (b) "Capital improvements" has the same meaning as provided in Section 63A-5-104 .
1752 (c) "Employee" means an "employee," "worker," or "operative" as defined in Section
1753 34A-2-104 who:
1754 (i) works at least 30 hours per calendar week; and
1755 (ii) meets employer eligibility waiting requirements for health care insurance which
1756 may not exceed the first day of the calendar month following [
1757 hire.
1758 (d) "Health benefit plan" has the same meaning as provided in Section 31A-1-301 .
1759 (e) "Qualified health insurance coverage" is as defined in Section 26-40-115 .
1760 (f) "Subcontractor" has the same meaning provided for in Section 63A-5-208 .
1761 (2) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 6a, Utah Procurement Code, the director
1762 may:
1763 (a) subject to Subsection (3), enter into contracts for any work or professional services
1764 which the division or the State Building Board may do or have done; and
1765 (b) as a condition of any contract for architectural or engineering services, prohibit the
1766 architect or engineer from retaining a sales or agent engineer for the necessary design work.
1767 (3) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), this Subsection (3) applies to all design
1768 or construction contracts entered into by the division or the State Building Board on or after
1769 July 1, 2009, and:
1770 (i) applies to a prime contractor if the prime contract is in the amount of $1,500,000 or
1771 greater; and
1772 (ii) applies to a subcontractor if the subcontract is in the amount of $750,000 or greater.
1773 (b) This Subsection (3) does not apply:
1774 (i) if the application of this Subsection (3) jeopardizes the receipt of federal funds;
1775 (ii) if the contract is a sole source contract;
1776 (iii) if the contract is an emergency procurement; or
1777 (iv) to a change order as defined in Section 63G-6a-103 , or a modification to a
1778 contract, when the contract does not meet the threshold required by Subsection (3)(a).
1779 (c) A person who intentionally uses change orders or contract modifications to
1780 circumvent the requirements of Subsection (3)(a) is guilty of an infraction.
1781 (d) (i) A contractor subject to Subsection (3)(a) shall demonstrate to the director that
1782 the contractor has and will maintain an offer of qualified health insurance coverage for the
1783 contractor's employees and the employees' dependents.
1784 (ii) If a subcontractor of the contractor is subject to Subsection (3)(a), the contractor
1785 shall demonstrate to the director that the subcontractor has and will maintain an offer of
1786 qualified health insurance coverage for the subcontractor's employees and the employees'
1787 dependents.
1788 (e) (i) (A) A contractor who fails to meet the requirements of Subsection (3)(d)(i)
1789 during the duration of the contract is subject to penalties in accordance with administrative
1790 rules adopted by the division under Subsection (3)(f).
1791 (B) A contractor is not subject to penalties for the failure of a subcontractor to meet the
1792 requirements of Subsection (3)(d)(ii).
1793 (ii) (A) A subcontractor who fails to meet the requirements of Subsection (3)(d)(ii)
1794 during the duration of the contract is subject to penalties in accordance with administrative
1795 rules adopted by the division under Subsection (3)(f).
1796 (B) A subcontractor is not subject to penalties for the failure of a contractor to meet the
1797 requirements of Subsection (3)(d)(i).
1798 (f) The division shall adopt administrative rules:
1799 (i) in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act;
1800 (ii) in coordination with:
1801 (A) the Department of Environmental Quality in accordance with Section 19-1-206 ;
1802 (B) the Department of Natural Resources in accordance with Section 79-2-404 ;
1803 (C) a public transit district in accordance with Section 17B-2a-818.5 ;
1804 (D) the State Capitol Preservation Board in accordance with Section 63C-9-403 ;
1805 (E) the Department of Transportation in accordance with Section 72-6-107.5 ; and
1806 (F) the Legislature's Administrative Rules Review Committee; and
1807 (iii) which establish:
1808 (A) the requirements and procedures a contractor must follow to demonstrate to the
1809 director compliance with this Subsection (3) which shall include:
1810 (I) that a contractor will not have to demonstrate compliance with Subsection (3)(d)(i)
1811 or (ii) more than twice in any 12-month period; and
1812 (II) that the actuarially equivalent determination required for the qualified health
1813 insurance coverage in Subsection (1) is met by the contractor if the contractor provides the
1814 department or division with a written statement of actuarial equivalency from either:
1815 (Aa) the Utah Insurance Department;
1816 (Bb) an actuary selected by the contractor or the contractor's insurer; or
1817 (Cc) an underwriter who is responsible for developing the employer group's premium
1818 rates;
1819 (B) the penalties that may be imposed if a contractor or subcontractor intentionally
1820 violates the provisions of this Subsection (3), which may include:
1821 (I) a three-month suspension of the contractor or subcontractor from entering into
1822 future contracts with the state upon the first violation;
1823 (II) a six-month suspension of the contractor or subcontractor from entering into future
1824 contracts with the state upon the second violation;
1825 (III) an action for debarment of the contractor or subcontractor in accordance with
1826 Section 63G-6a-904 upon the third or subsequent violation; and
1827 (IV) monetary penalties which may not exceed 50% of the amount necessary to
1828 purchase qualified health insurance coverage for an employee and the dependents of an
1829 employee of the contractor or subcontractor who was not offered qualified health insurance
1830 coverage during the duration of the contract; and
1831 (C) a website on which the department shall post the benchmark for the qualified
1832 health insurance coverage identified in Subsection (1)(e).
1833 (g) (i) In addition to the penalties imposed under Subsection (3)(f)(iii), a contractor or
1834 subcontractor who intentionally violates the provisions of this section shall be liable to the
1835 employee for health care costs that would have been covered by qualified health insurance
1836 coverage.
1837 (ii) An employer has an affirmative defense to a cause of action under Subsection
1838 (3)(g)(i) if:
1839 (A) the employer relied in good faith on a written statement of actuarial equivalency
1840 provided by:
1841 (I) an actuary; or
1842 (II) an underwriter who is responsible for developing the employer group's premium
1843 rates; or
1844 (B) the department determines that compliance with this section is not required under
1845 the provisions of Subsection (3)(b).
1846 (iii) An employee has a private right of action only against the employee's employer to
1847 enforce the provisions of this Subsection (3)(g).
1848 (h) Any penalties imposed and collected under this section shall be deposited into the
1849 Medicaid Restricted Account created by Section 26-18-402 .
1850 (i) The failure of a contractor or subcontractor to provide qualified health insurance
1851 coverage as required by this section:
1852 (i) may not be the basis for a protest or other action from a prospective bidder, offeror,
1853 or contractor under Section 63G-6a-1603 or any other provision in Title 63G, Chapter 6a, Utah
1854 Procurement Code; and
1855 (ii) may not be used by the procurement entity or a prospective bidder, offeror, or
1856 contractor as a basis for any action or suit that would suspend, disrupt, or terminate the design
1857 or construction.
1858 (4) The judgment of the director as to the responsibility and qualifications of a bidder
1859 is conclusive, except in case of fraud or bad faith.
1860 (5) The division shall make all payments to the contractor for completed work in
1861 accordance with the contract and pay the interest specified in the contract on any payments that
1862 are late.
1863 (6) If any payment on a contract with a private contractor to do work for the division or
1864 the State Building Board is retained or withheld, it shall be retained or withheld and released as
1865 provided in Section 13-8-5 .
1866 Section 28. Section 63C-9-403 is amended to read:
1867 63C-9-403. Contracting power of executive director -- Health insurance coverage.
1868 (1) For purposes of this section:
1869 (a) "Employee" means an "employee," "worker," or "operative" as defined in Section
1870 34A-2-104 who:
1871 (i) works at least 30 hours per calendar week; and
1872 (ii) meets employer eligibility waiting requirements for health care insurance which
1873 may not exceed the first of the calendar month following [
1874 (b) "Health benefit plan" has the same meaning as provided in Section 31A-1-301 .
1875 (c) "Qualified health insurance coverage" is as defined in Section 26-40-115 .
1876 (d) "Subcontractor" has the same meaning provided for in Section 63A-5-208 .
1877 (2) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3), this section applies to a design or
1878 construction contract entered into by the board or on behalf of the board on or after July 1,
1879 2009, and to a prime contractor or a subcontractor in accordance with Subsection (2)(b).
1880 (b) (i) A prime contractor is subject to this section if the prime contract is in the
1881 amount of $1,500,000 or greater.
1882 (ii) A subcontractor is subject to this section if a subcontract is in the amount of
1883 $750,000 or greater.
1884 (3) This section does not apply if:
1885 (a) the application of this section jeopardizes the receipt of federal funds;
1886 (b) the contract is a sole source contract; or
1887 (c) the contract is an emergency procurement.
1888 (4) (a) This section does not apply to a change order as defined in Section 63G-6a-103 ,
1889 or a modification to a contract, when the contract does not meet the initial threshold required
1890 by Subsection (2).
1891 (b) A person who intentionally uses change orders or contract modifications to
1892 circumvent the requirements of Subsection (2) is guilty of an infraction.
1893 (5) (a) A contractor subject to Subsection (2) shall demonstrate to the executive
1894 director that the contractor has and will maintain an offer of qualified health insurance
1895 coverage for the contractor's employees and the employees' dependents during the duration of
1896 the contract.
1897 (b) If a subcontractor of the contractor is subject to Subsection (2)(b), the contractor
1898 shall demonstrate to the executive director that the subcontractor has and will maintain an offer
1899 of qualified health insurance coverage for the subcontractor's employees and the employees'
1900 dependents during the duration of the contract.
1901 (c) (i) (A) A contractor who fails to meet the requirements of Subsection (5)(a) during
1902 the duration of the contract is subject to penalties in accordance with administrative rules
1903 adopted by the division under Subsection (6).
1904 (B) A contractor is not subject to penalties for the failure of a subcontractor to meet the
1905 requirements of Subsection (5)(b).
1906 (ii) (A) A subcontractor who fails to meet the requirements of Subsection (5)(b) during
1907 the duration of the contract is subject to penalties in accordance with administrative rules
1908 adopted by the department under Subsection (6).
1909 (B) A subcontractor is not subject to penalties for the failure of a contractor to meet the
1910 requirements of Subsection (5)(a).
1911 (6) The department shall adopt administrative rules:
1912 (a) in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act;
1913 (b) in coordination with:
1914 (i) the Department of Environmental Quality in accordance with Section 19-1-206 ;
1915 (ii) the Department of Natural Resources in accordance with Section 79-2-404 ;
1916 (iii) the State Building Board in accordance with Section 63A-5-205 ;
1917 (iv) a public transit district in accordance with Section 17B-2a-818.5 ;
1918 (v) the Department of Transportation in accordance with Section 72-6-107.5 ; and
1919 (vi) the Legislature's Administrative Rules Review Committee; and
1920 (c) which establish:
1921 (i) the requirements and procedures a contractor must follow to demonstrate to the
1922 executive director compliance with this section which shall include:
1923 (A) that a contractor will not have to demonstrate compliance with Subsection (5)(a) or
1924 (b) more than twice in any 12-month period; and
1925 (B) that the actuarially equivalent determination required for the qualified health
1926 insurance coverage in Subsection (1) is met by the contractor if the contractor provides the
1927 department or division with a written statement of actuarial equivalency from either:
1928 (I) the Utah Insurance Department;
1929 (II) an actuary selected by the contractor or the contractor's insurer; or
1930 (III) an underwriter who is responsible for developing the employer group's premium
1931 rates;
1932 (ii) the penalties that may be imposed if a contractor or subcontractor intentionally
1933 violates the provisions of this section, which may include:
1934 (A) a three-month suspension of the contractor or subcontractor from entering into
1935 future contracts with the state upon the first violation;
1936 (B) a six-month suspension of the contractor or subcontractor from entering into future
1937 contracts with the state upon the second violation;
1938 (C) an action for debarment of the contractor or subcontractor in accordance with
1939 Section 63G-6a-904 upon the third or subsequent violation; and
1940 (D) monetary penalties which may not exceed 50% of the amount necessary to
1941 purchase qualified health insurance coverage for employees and dependents of employees of
1942 the contractor or subcontractor who were not offered qualified health insurance coverage
1943 during the duration of the contract; and
1944 (iii) a website on which the department shall post the benchmark for the qualified
1945 health insurance coverage identified in Subsection (1)(c).
1946 (7) (a) (i) In addition to the penalties imposed under Subsection (6)(c), a contractor or
1947 subcontractor who intentionally violates the provisions of this section shall be liable to the
1948 employee for health care costs that would have been covered by qualified health insurance
1949 coverage.
1950 (ii) An employer has an affirmative defense to a cause of action under Subsection
1951 (7)(a)(i) if:
1952 (A) the employer relied in good faith on a written statement of actuarial equivalency
1953 provided by:
1954 (I) an actuary; or
1955 (II) an underwriter who is responsible for developing the employer group's premium
1956 rates; or
1957 (B) the department determines that compliance with this section is not required under
1958 the provisions of Subsection (3) or (4).
1959 (b) An employee has a private right of action only against the employee's employer to
1960 enforce the provisions of this Subsection (7).
1961 (8) Any penalties imposed and collected under this section shall be deposited into the
1962 Medicaid Restricted Account created in Section 26-18-402 .
1963 (9) The failure of a contractor or subcontractor to provide qualified health insurance
1964 coverage as required by this section:
1965 (a) may not be the basis for a protest or other action from a prospective bidder, offeror,
1966 or contractor under Section 63G-6a-1603 or any other provision in Title 63G, Chapter 6a, Utah
1967 Procurement Code; and
1968 (b) may not be used by the procurement entity or a prospective bidder, offeror, or
1969 contractor as a basis for any action or suit that would suspend, disrupt, or terminate the design
1970 or construction.
1971 Section 29. Section 63I-1-231 (Effective 07/01/14) is amended to read:
1972 63I-1-231 (Effective 07/01/14). Repeal dates, Title 31A.
1973 (1) Section 31A-2-208.5 , Comparison tables, is repealed July 1, 2015.
1974 (2) Section 31A-2-217 , Coordination with other states, is repealed July 1, 2023.
1975 (3) Section 31A-22-619.6 , Coordination of benefits with workers' compensation
1976 claim--Health insurer's duty to pay, is repealed on July 1, 2018.
1977 (4) Title 31A, Chapter 29, Comprehensive Health Insurance Pool Act, is repealed July
1978 1, 2015.
1979 Section 30. Section 63M-1-2504 is amended to read:
1980 63M-1-2504. Creation of Office of Consumer Health Services -- Duties.
1981 (1) There is created within the Governor's Office of Economic Development the Office
1982 of Consumer Health Services.
1983 (2) The office shall:
1984 (a) in cooperation with the Insurance Department, the Department of Health, and the
1985 Department of Workforce Services, and in accordance with the electronic standards developed
1986 under Sections 31A-22-635 and 63M-1-2506 , create a Health Insurance Exchange that:
1987 (i) provides information to consumers about private and public health programs for
1988 which the consumer may qualify;
1989 (ii) provides a consumer comparison of and enrollment in a health benefit plan posted
1990 on the Health Insurance Exchange; and
1991 (iii) includes information and a link to enrollment in premium assistance programs and
1992 other government assistance programs;
1993 (b) contract with one or more private vendors for:
1994 (i) administration of the enrollment process on the Health Insurance Exchange,
1995 including establishing a mechanism for consumers to compare health benefit plan features on
1996 the exchange and filter the plans based on consumer preferences;
1997 (ii) the collection of health insurance premium payments made for a single policy by
1998 multiple payers, including the policyholder, one or more employers of one or more individuals
1999 covered by the policy, government programs, and others; and
2000 (iii) establishing a call center in accordance with Subsection [
2001 (c) assist employers with a free or low cost method for establishing mechanisms for the
2002 purchase of health insurance by employees using pre-tax dollars;
2003 (d) establish a list on the Health Insurance Exchange of insurance producers who, in
2004 accordance with Section 31A-30-209 , are appointed producers for the Health Insurance
2005 Exchange; [
2006 (e) submit, before November 1, an annual written report to the Business and Labor
2007 Interim Committee and the Health System Reform Task Force regarding the operations of the
2008 Health Insurance Exchange required by this chapter[
2009 (f) in accordance with Subsection (3), provide a form to a small employer that certifies:
2010 (i) that the small employer offered a qualified health plan to the small employer's
2011 employees; and
2012 (ii) the period of time within the taxable year in which the small employer maintained
2013 the qualified health plan coverage.
2014 (3) The form required by Subsection (2)(f) shall be provided to a small employer if:
2015 (a) the small employer selected a qualified health plan on the small employer health
2016 exchange created by this section; or
2017 (b) (i) the small employer selected a health plan in the small employer market that is
2018 not offered through the exchange created by this section; and
2019 (ii) the issuer of the health plan selected by the small employer submits to the office, in
2020 a form and manner required by the office:
2021 (A) an affidavit from a member of the American Academy of Actuaries stating that
2022 based on generally accepted actuarial principles and methodologies the issuer's health plan
2023 meets the benefit and actuarial requirements for a qualified health plan under PPACA as
2024 defined in Section 31A-1-301 ; and
2025 (B) an affidavit from the issuer that includes the dates of coverage for the small
2026 employer during the taxable year.
2027 [
2028 (a) shall provide unbiased answers to questions concerning exchange operations, and
2029 plan information, to the extent the plan information is posted on the exchange by the insurer;
2030 and
2031 (b) may not:
2032 (i) sell, solicit, or negotiate a health benefit plan on the Health Insurance Exchange;
2033 (ii) receive producer compensation through the Health Insurance Exchange; and
2034 (iii) be designated as the default producer for an employer group that enters the Health
2035 Insurance Exchange without a producer.
2036 [
2037 (a) may not:
2038 (i) regulate health insurers, health insurance plans, health insurance producers, or
2039 health insurance premiums charged in the exchange;
2040 (ii) adopt administrative rules, except as provided in Section 63M-1-2506 ; or
2041 (iii) act as an appeals entity for resolving disputes between a health insurer and an
2042 insured;
2043 (b) may establish and collect a fee for the cost of the exchange transaction in
2044 accordance with Section 63J-1-504 for:
2045 (i) processing an application for a health benefit plan;
2046 (ii) accepting, processing, and submitting multiple premium payment sources;
2047 (iii) providing a mechanism for consumers to filter and compare health benefit plans in
2048 the exchange based on consumer preferences; and
2049 (iv) funding the call center; and
2050 (c) shall separately itemize the fee established under Subsection [
2051 the cost displayed for the employer selecting coverage on the exchange.
2052 Section 31. Section 72-6-107.5 is amended to read:
2053 72-6-107.5. Construction of improvements of highway -- Contracts -- Health
2054 insurance coverage.
2055 (1) For purposes of this section:
2056 (a) "Employee" means an "employee," "worker," or "operative" as defined in Section
2057 34A-2-104 who:
2058 (i) works at least 30 hours per calendar week; and
2059 (ii) meets employer eligibility waiting requirements for health care insurance which
2060 may not exceed the first day of the calendar month following [
2061 hire.
2062 (b) "Health benefit plan" has the same meaning as provided in Section 31A-1-301 .
2063 (c) "Qualified health insurance coverage" is as defined in Section 26-40-115 .
2064 (d) "Subcontractor" has the same meaning provided for in Section 63A-5-208 .
2065 (2) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3), this section applies to contracts entered
2066 into by the department on or after July 1, 2009, for construction or design of highways and to a
2067 prime contractor or to a subcontractor in accordance with Subsection (2)(b).
2068 (b) (i) A prime contractor is subject to this section if the prime contract is in the
2069 amount of $1,500,000 or greater.
2070 (ii) A subcontractor is subject to this section if a subcontract is in the amount of
2071 $750,000 or greater.
2072 (3) This section does not apply if:
2073 (a) the application of this section jeopardizes the receipt of federal funds;
2074 (b) the contract is a sole source contract; or
2075 (c) the contract is an emergency procurement.
2076 (4) (a) This section does not apply to a change order as defined in Section 63G-6a-103 ,
2077 or a modification to a contract, when the contract does not meet the initial threshold required
2078 by Subsection (2).
2079 (b) A person who intentionally uses change orders or contract modifications to
2080 circumvent the requirements of Subsection (2) is guilty of an infraction.
2081 (5) (a) A contractor subject to Subsection (2) shall demonstrate to the department that
2082 the contractor has and will maintain an offer of qualified health insurance coverage for the
2083 contractor's employees and the employees' dependents during the duration of the contract.
2084 (b) If a subcontractor of the contractor is subject to Subsection (2), the contractor shall
2085 demonstrate to the department that the subcontractor has and will maintain an offer of qualified
2086 health insurance coverage for the subcontractor's employees and the employees' dependents
2087 during the duration of the contract.
2088 (c) (i) (A) A contractor who fails to meet the requirements of Subsection (5)(a) during
2089 the duration of the contract is subject to penalties in accordance with administrative rules
2090 adopted by the department under Subsection (6).
2091 (B) A contractor is not subject to penalties for the failure of a subcontractor to meet the
2092 requirements of Subsection (5)(b).
2093 (ii) (A) A subcontractor who fails to meet the requirements of Subsection (5)(b) during
2094 the duration of the contract is subject to penalties in accordance with administrative rules
2095 adopted by the department under Subsection (6).
2096 (B) A subcontractor is not subject to penalties for the failure of a contractor to meet the
2097 requirements of Subsection (5)(a).
2098 (6) The department shall adopt administrative rules:
2099 (a) in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act;
2100 (b) in coordination with:
2101 (i) the Department of Environmental Quality in accordance with Section 19-1-206 ;
2102 (ii) the Department of Natural Resources in accordance with Section 79-2-404 ;
2103 (iii) the State Building Board in accordance with Section 63A-5-205 ;
2104 (iv) the State Capitol Preservation Board in accordance with Section 63C-9-403 ;
2105 (v) a public transit district in accordance with Section 17B-2a-818.5 ; and
2106 (vi) the Legislature's Administrative Rules Review Committee; and
2107 (c) which establish:
2108 (i) the requirements and procedures a contractor must follow to demonstrate to the
2109 department compliance with this section which shall include:
2110 (A) that a contractor will not have to demonstrate compliance with Subsection (5)(a) or
2111 (b) more than twice in any 12-month period; and
2112 (B) that the actuarially equivalent determination required for qualified health insurance
2113 coverage in Subsection (1) is met by the contractor if the contractor provides the department or
2114 division with a written statement of actuarial equivalency from either:
2115 (I) the Utah Insurance Department;
2116 (II) an actuary selected by the contractor or the contractor's insurer; or
2117 (III) an underwriter who is responsible for developing the employer group's premium
2118 rates;
2119 (ii) the penalties that may be imposed if a contractor or subcontractor intentionally
2120 violates the provisions of this section, which may include:
2121 (A) a three-month suspension of the contractor or subcontractor from entering into
2122 future contracts with the state upon the first violation;
2123 (B) a six-month suspension of the contractor or subcontractor from entering into future
2124 contracts with the state upon the second violation;
2125 (C) an action for debarment of the contractor or subcontractor in accordance with
2126 Section 63G-6a-904 upon the third or subsequent violation; and
2127 (D) monetary penalties which may not exceed 50% of the amount necessary to
2128 purchase qualified health insurance coverage for an employee and a dependent of the employee
2129 of the contractor or subcontractor who was not offered qualified health insurance coverage
2130 during the duration of the contract; and
2131 (iii) a website on which the department shall post the benchmark for the qualified
2132 health insurance coverage identified in Subsection (1)(c).
2133 (7) (a) (i) In addition to the penalties imposed under Subsection (6), a contractor or
2134 subcontractor who intentionally violates the provisions of this section shall be liable to the
2135 employee for health care costs that would have been covered by qualified health insurance
2136 coverage.
2137 (ii) An employer has an affirmative defense to a cause of action under Subsection
2138 (7)(a)(i) if:
2139 (A) the employer relied in good faith on a written statement of actuarial equivalency
2140 provided by:
2141 (I) an actuary; or
2142 (II) an underwriter who is responsible for developing the employer group's premium
2143 rates; or
2144 (B) the department determines that compliance with this section is not required under
2145 the provisions of Subsection (3) or (4).
2146 (b) An employee has a private right of action only against the employee's employer to
2147 enforce the provisions of this Subsection (7).
2148 (8) Any penalties imposed and collected under this section shall be deposited into the
2149 Medicaid Restricted Account created in Section 26-18-402 .
2150 (9) The failure of a contractor or subcontractor to provide qualified health insurance
2151 coverage as required by this section:
2152 (a) may not be the basis for a protest or other action from a prospective bidder, offeror,
2153 or contractor under Section 63G-6a-1603 or any other provision in Title 63G, Chapter 6a, Utah
2154 Procurement Code; and
2155 (b) may not be used by the procurement entity or a prospective bidder, offeror, or
2156 contractor as a basis for any action or suit that would suspend, disrupt, or terminate the design
2157 or construction.
2158 Section 32. Section 79-2-404 is amended to read:
2159 79-2-404. Contracting powers of department -- Health insurance coverage.
2160 (1) For purposes of this section:
2161 (a) "Employee" means an "employee," "worker," or "operative" as defined in Section
2162 34A-2-104 who:
2163 (i) works at least 30 hours per calendar week; and
2164 (ii) meets employer eligibility waiting requirements for health care insurance which
2165 may not exceed the first day of the calendar month following [
2166 hire.
2167 (b) "Health benefit plan" has the same meaning as provided in Section 31A-1-301 .
2168 (c) "Qualified health insurance coverage" is as defined in Section 26-40-115 .
2169 (d) "Subcontractor" has the same meaning provided for in Section 63A-5-208 .
2170 (2) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3), this section applies a design or
2171 construction contract entered into by, or delegated to, the department or a division, board, or
2172 council of the department on or after July 1, 2009, and to a prime contractor or to a
2173 subcontractor in accordance with Subsection (2)(b).
2174 (b) (i) A prime contractor is subject to this section if the prime contract is in the
2175 amount of $1,500,000 or greater.
2176 (ii) A subcontractor is subject to this section if a subcontract is in the amount of
2177 $750,000 or greater.
2178 (3) This section does not apply to contracts entered into by the department or a
2179 division, board, or council of the department if:
2180 (a) the application of this section jeopardizes the receipt of federal funds;
2181 (b) the contract or agreement is between:
2182 (i) the department or a division, board, or council of the department; and
2183 (ii) (A) another agency of the state;
2184 (B) the federal government;
2185 (C) another state;
2186 (D) an interstate agency;
2187 (E) a political subdivision of this state; or
2188 (F) a political subdivision of another state; or
2189 (c) the contract or agreement is:
2190 (i) for the purpose of disbursing grants or loans authorized by statute;
2191 (ii) a sole source contract; or
2192 (iii) an emergency procurement.
2193 (4) (a) This section does not apply to a change order as defined in Section 63G-6a-103 ,
2194 or a modification to a contract, when the contract does not meet the initial threshold required
2195 by Subsection (2).
2196 (b) A person who intentionally uses change orders or contract modifications to
2197 circumvent the requirements of Subsection (2) is guilty of an infraction.
2198 (5) (a) A contractor subject to Subsection (2)(b)(i) shall demonstrate to the department
2199 that the contractor has and will maintain an offer of qualified health insurance coverage for the
2200 contractor's employees and the employees' dependents during the duration of the contract.
2201 (b) If a subcontractor of the contractor is subject to Subsection (2)(b)(ii), the contractor
2202 shall demonstrate to the department that the subcontractor has and will maintain an offer of
2203 qualified health insurance coverage for the subcontractor's employees and the employees'
2204 dependents during the duration of the contract.
2205 (c) (i) (A) A contractor who fails to meet the requirements of Subsection (5)(a) during
2206 the duration of the contract is subject to penalties in accordance with administrative rules
2207 adopted by the department under Subsection (6).
2208 (B) A contractor is not subject to penalties for the failure of a subcontractor to meet the
2209 requirements of Subsection (5)(b).
2210 (ii) (A) A subcontractor who fails to meet the requirements of Subsection (5)(b) during
2211 the duration of the contract is subject to penalties in accordance with administrative rules
2212 adopted by the department under Subsection (6).
2213 (B) A subcontractor is not subject to penalties for the failure of a contractor to meet the
2214 requirements of Subsection (5)(a).
2215 (6) The department shall adopt administrative rules:
2216 (a) in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act;
2217 (b) in coordination with:
2218 (i) the Department of Environmental Quality in accordance with Section 19-1-206 ;
2219 (ii) a public transit district in accordance with Section 17B-2a-818.5 ;
2220 (iii) the State Building Board in accordance with Section 63A-5-205 ;
2221 (iv) the State Capitol Preservation Board in accordance with Section 63C-9-403 ;
2222 (v) the Department of Transportation in accordance with Section 72-6-107.5 ; and
2223 (vi) the Legislature's Administrative Rules Review Committee; and
2224 (c) which establish:
2225 (i) the requirements and procedures a contractor must follow to demonstrate
2226 compliance with this section to the department which shall include:
2227 (A) that a contractor will not have to demonstrate compliance with Subsection (5)(a) or
2228 (b) more than twice in any 12-month period; and
2229 (B) that the actuarially equivalent determination required for qualified health insurance
2230 coverage in Subsection (1) is met by the contractor if the contractor provides the department or
2231 division with a written statement of actuarial equivalency from either:
2232 (I) the Utah Insurance Department;
2233 (II) an actuary selected by the contractor or the contractor's insurer; or
2234 (III) an underwriter who is responsible for developing the employer group's premium
2235 rates;
2236 (ii) the penalties that may be imposed if a contractor or subcontractor intentionally
2237 violates the provisions of this section, which may include:
2238 (A) a three-month suspension of the contractor or subcontractor from entering into
2239 future contracts with the state upon the first violation;
2240 (B) a six-month suspension of the contractor or subcontractor from entering into future
2241 contracts with the state upon the second violation;
2242 (C) an action for debarment of the contractor or subcontractor in accordance with
2243 Section 63G-6a-904 upon the third or subsequent violation; and
2244 (D) monetary penalties which may not exceed 50% of the amount necessary to
2245 purchase qualified health insurance coverage for an employee and a dependent of an employee
2246 of the contractor or subcontractor who was not offered qualified health insurance coverage
2247 during the duration of the contract; and
2248 (iii) a website on which the department shall post the benchmark for the qualified
2249 health insurance coverage identified in Subsection (1)(c).
2250 (7) (a) (i) In addition to the penalties imposed under Subsection (6), a contractor or
2251 subcontractor who intentionally violates the provisions of this section shall be liable to the
2252 employee for health care costs that would have been covered by qualified health insurance
2253 coverage.
2254 (ii) An employer has an affirmative defense to a cause of action under Subsection
2255 (7)(a)(i) if:
2256 (A) the employer relied in good faith on a written statement of actuarial equivalency
2257 provided by:
2258 (I) an actuary; or
2259 (II) an underwriter who is responsible for developing the employer group's premium
2260 rates; or
2261 (B) the department determines that compliance with this section is not required under
2262 the provisions of Subsection (3) or (4).
2263 (b) An employee has a private right of action only against the employee's employer to
2264 enforce the provisions of this Subsection (7).
2265 (8) Any penalties imposed and collected under this section shall be deposited into the
2266 Medicaid Restricted Account created in Section 26-18-402 .
2267 (9) The failure of a contractor or subcontractor to provide qualified health insurance
2268 coverage as required by this section:
2269 (a) may not be the basis for a protest or other action from a prospective bidder, offeror,
2270 or contractor under Section 63G-6a-1603 or any other provision in Title 63G, Chapter 6a, Utah
2271 Procurement Code; and
2272 (b) may not be used by the procurement entity or a prospective bidder, offeror, or
2273 contractor as a basis for any action or suit that would suspend, disrupt, or terminate the design
2274 or construction.
2275 Section 33. Effective date.
2276 (1) Except as provided in Subsection (2), this bill takes effect May 13, 2014.
2277 (2) The amendments to Section 63I-1-231 (Effective 07/01/14) take effect on July 1,
2278 2014.
2279 Section 34. Coordinating H.B. 141 with H.B. 24 -- Superseding technical and
2280 substantive amendments.
2281 If this H.B. 141 and H.B. 24, Insurance Related Amendments, both pass and become
2282 law, it is the intent of the Legislature that the amendments to Sections 31A-23b-205 and
2283 31A-23b-206 in this bill, supersede the amendments to Sections 31A-23b-205 and
2284 31A-23b-206 in H.B. 24, when the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel
2285 prepares the Utah Code database for publication.
2286 Section 35. Coordinating H.B. 141 with H.B. 35 -- Superseding technical and
2287 substantive amendments.
2288 If this H.B. 141 and H.B. 35, Reauthorization of Health Data Authority Act, both pass
2289 and become law, it is the intent of the Legislature that the amendments to Section 26-33a-106.1
2290 in this bill, supersede the amendments to Section 26-33a-106.1 in H.B. 35, when the Office of
2291 Legislative Research and General Counsel prepares the Utah Code database for publication.
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