MS HB1336

Creates the Mississippi Health Benefit Exchange as a not-for-profit corporation with legal independence from the state to facilitate purchase and sale of qualified health plans in the individual and small group markets.

Establishes a 16-member Board of Directors including the Insurance Commissioner (as chair), Medicaid Director, legislative leaders, insurance companies, agents, consumer advocates, business owners, healthcare providers, and an actuary to oversee exchange operations.

Requires the exchange to make qualified health plans available to qualified individuals and qualified employers by January 1, 2014, including establishing a Small Employer Exchange and providing enrollment assistance through navigators and licensed insurance producers.

Authorizes the exchange to charge assessments or user fees to health carriers to support operations and requires publication of administrative costs and licensing fees on a website for consumer education.

Grants the Department of Insurance regulatory authority to promulgate rules implementing and enforcing the exchange provisions while preserving the Commissioner's existing authority to regulate health insurance in Mississippi.