AR SB859

Creates the Arkansas Health Insurance Alliance as a nonprofit unincorporated public entity to develop and operate a state-based health insurance exchange effective January 1, 2015

Establishes a 9-member board of directors appointed by the Governor (2 members), President Pro Tempore of the Senate (2 members), Speaker of the House (2 members), plus the Directors of Human Services, the Insurance Commissioner, and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission

Board members appointed through political appointment process must have demonstrated knowledge in health insurance, health care finance, health care delivery, or related areas and shall not be directly affiliated with the insurance industry

Exchange shall facilitate access and enrollment in health insurance plans for individuals and small employers (1-50 employees) while maintaining competitive marketplace principles and not duplicating powers of the State Insurance Department

Establishes emergency effective date to allow immediate planning for transition from federally-facilitated exchange to state-based exchange by January 1, 2015