Senate Bill 971 Summary

• Eliminates the Health Care for the Uninsured Board and establishes the Health Insurance Private Enterprise Network as a state-beneficiary public trust to increase health insurance market competition and choice.

• Creates a seven-member Network Board governed by the Insurance Commissioner as chair, including representatives from insurance carriers, consumers, health providers, employers, insurance agents/brokers, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

• Authorizes the Network to certify health insurance programs, credential insurance producers, and establish a fair referral network for individuals and small employers seeking coverage without discriminating against qualified carriers.

• Requires health care providers to refer uninsured individuals or those not enrolled in Medicaid to the Network for enrollment in certified insurance plans or premium assistance programs.

• Makes the bill subject to legislative review and renewal by May 25, 2014, with an effective date of November 1, 2011.