MN SF2049

Expands the definition of "small employer" from employers with 50 or fewer employees to employers with 100 or fewer employees, effective January 1, 2013.

Requires health carriers participating in both segments of the small employer market to maintain two separate risk pools: one for employers with 50 or fewer employees and another for employers with more than 50 but not more than 100 employees.

Establishes different premium variation limits for the two employer size categories: 25 percent above and below the index rate for employers with 50 or fewer employees, and 30 percent above and below for employers with more than 50 employees.

Clarifies that the expanded definition of "small employer" does not apply to provisions of the federal Affordable Care Act that use the term "small employer" or "small employer market."

All changes apply to health benefit plans offered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2013.