CA SB255

Authorizes associations of employers (MEWAs) established before March 23, 2010 to offer large group health care coverage if requirements are met, including headquarters in California, at least 101 total employees, platinum-level coverage as of January 1, 2019, and genuine organizational relationships unrelated to health benefits.

Requires MEWAs to file registration applications with the Department of Managed Health Care or Department of Insurance by June 1, 2022, and file annual evidence of ongoing compliance thereafter.

Prohibits health care service plans and insurers from marketing, issuing, renewing, or delivering large employer coverage to MEWAs providing benefits to California residents after June 1, 2022 unless the MEWA is registered and compliant, or has a pending application.

Includes special provisions for associations offering large group coverage to small group employer members in the biomedical industry, with minimum 101 employees and at least 4 full-time common law employees per member employer.

Requires employer members of MEWAs to subsidize at least 51 percent of individual employee premiums and establishes that coverage cannot be based on health status or claims history.