AZ HB2557

Establishes the Arizona Health Insurance Exchange as a marketplace for qualified individuals and small employers to purchase health benefit plans, with operations beginning no later than January 1, 2016.

Creates a nine-member Arizona Health Insurance Exchange Board composed of the directors of the Department of Insurance and Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System Administration, three gubernatorial appointees, and four legislative caucus appointees, with specific expertise and consumer representation requirements.

Requires the exchange to certify qualified health plans meeting federal standards, provide enrollment assistance through a toll-free hotline and website, establish premium calculators, and inform individuals of eligibility for state and federal health programs.

Authorizes the board to charge assessments and user fees to health carriers beginning January 1, 2016, and allows qualified health plans to charge premium surcharses to support exchange operations through the Arizona Health Insurance Exchange Fund.

Exempts exchange board members and employees from certain state procurement and civil service requirements, while prohibiting board members from having conflicts of interest with health insurers, providers, or related entities.