CA SB900

Establishes the California Health Benefit Exchange as an independent public entity governed by a five-member board (two appointed by the Governor, one by Senate Rules Committee, one by Assembly Speaker, plus Secretary of Health and Human Services as ex officio member).

Board members must have expertise in areas including individual health coverage, small employer coverage, health benefits administration, health care finance, health care delivery systems, or health plan purchasing.

Implements conflict-of-interest restrictions prohibiting board and staff members from being employed by, affiliated with, or representing carriers, insurers, agents, brokers, health care providers, or trade associations while serving.

Requires the Director of Managed Health Care and Insurance Commissioner to review the federal health insurance Internet portal and jointly develop an electronic clearinghouse of coverage options in individual and small employer markets if the federal portal is inadequate.

Becomes operative only upon enactment of Assembly Bill 1602.