H.B. 2208 Summary

• Requires all association health plan policies issued in Hawaii to comply with state laws regardless of the domicile or location of the issuing association.

• Adds voluntary associations of employers authorized to issue association health plans under U.S. Department of Labor regulations to the types of entities that can qualify for insurance authority in Hawaii.

• Exempts voluntary associations of employers issuing association health plans from the five-year continuous operation requirement that normally applies to foreign and alien insurers seeking authority.

• Clarifies that group accident and health insurance exemptions from certificate of authority requirements do not apply to association health plans, requiring them to obtain proper authorization.

• Effective date of July 1, 2018, with sections establishing requirements and definitions effective January 1, 2019; insurance commissioner must develop necessary forms by January 1, 2019.