Health Coverage Across State Lines Act

This bill would let a health insurance company pick one "primary" state whose insurance laws govern its individual health plans, and then sell those plans in other "secondary" states without following most of those other states' insurance laws. Secondary states could still collect taxes, enforce laws on fraud and unfair claims handling, require financial exams in some cases, and require local licensing of agents. Insurers would have to print a notice on these policies saying the plan is not subject to all of the buyer's home-state laws, including some required benefits and consumer protections. The bill would bar raising an individual's premium at renewal based on health status, require an independent appeals process for denied claims, and take effect for coverage sold starting one year after enactment. The Government Accountability Office would study its effects and report to Congress each year for five years.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Marsha Blackburn Republican sponsor
• 0 cosponsors