HB 522 Summary

• Establishes a nonprofit small business health insurance pool to provide group health plan coverage for eligible small employers with 2-9 employees, effective January 1, 2019.

• Creates a 7-member board of directors appointed by the Commissioner of Insurance and Governor to oversee the pool, establish eligibility requirements, and manage premium incentive payments and premium assistance payments.

• Provides tax credits up to $100-$125 monthly per employee and $40 monthly per dependent (not to exceed 50% of total premiums paid) for eligible small employers offering group health coverage.

• Authorizes the Commissioner of Insurance to administer the program through rulemaking, approve health insurance plans offered through the pool, and allows qualified association health plans to participate alongside the purchasing pool.

• Establishes penalties including fines up to $25,000, restitution, and criminal charges for fraud or wrongful receipt of premium incentive payments, premium assistance payments, or tax credits.