OK HB2081

Amends the Employer Health Insurance Purchasing Group Act (Chapters 2-8, Chapter 276, O.S.L. 2002) to modify definitions, board composition requirements, and employer eligibility standards for health insurance purchasing groups (HIPGs).

Reduces the minimum number of eligible employees required for HIPG formation from 100 to 2, and allows up to a 5-year contract period (previously 12 months) between HIPGs and purchasers, while requiring annual filing approval from the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner.

Each HIPG is considered a large group for insurance purposes; allows HIPGs to offer health benefit plans with one or more options not subject to state-mandated health benefits, and removes requirement that HIPGs comply with Small Employer Health Insurance Reform Act.

Establishes conflict-of-interest restrictions prohibiting HIPG board members and employees from being associated with organizations that provide non-coverage-related funds to the HIPG, and prohibits board members from being employed by HIPG health carriers.

Effective date: November 1, 2011.