MS HB311

Establishes a nonprofit small business health insurance pool administered by a 7-member board of directors appointed by the Commissioner of Insurance and Governor to provide group health plan coverage to eligible small employers with 2-9 employees effective January 1, 2014.

Creates tax credits for eligible small employers paying health insurance premiums: up to $100/month per employee (or $125 if group average age is 45+) and $100/month for spouses, plus $40/month per dependent (max 2), not to exceed 50% of total premiums paid.

Provides premium incentive payments to small employers and premium assistance payments to employees of employers who did not sponsor group health plans in the prior 2 years and join the purchasing pool or qualified association health plans.

Requires registration with the Commissioner; initially allocates 60% of funding for premium incentive and assistance payments and 40% for tax credits, with funding capped at 95% of available appropriations.

Authorizes Division of Medicaid to seek federal Section 1115 waiver to obtain Medicaid matching funds for premium assistance payments, with special fund created for program administration costs (not to exceed $600 first year or 5% thereafter).