Whereas, the availability and affordability of individual health insurance is crucial to Maine residents who do not have access to group coverage; and

Whereas, the individual health insurance market has recently been subject to large rate increases; and

Whereas, several insurers have withdrawn from Maine's individual health insurance market; and

Whereas, it is desirable to identify steps that would increase the availability and affordability of individual health insurance; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Task force. Resolved: That the Superintendent of Insurance shall convene a task force to study the availability and affordability of individual health insurance in Maine; and be it further

Sec. 2. Membership. Resolved: That the Superintendent of Insurance or the superintendent's designee serve as chair of the task force and additional members must be appointed as follows:

1. One member representing Blue Cross Blue Shield of Maine, appointed by the Governor;

2. One member representing a commercial health insurer or a health maintenance organization, appointed by the Governor;

3. One member representing health insurance producers, appointed by the Governor;

4. One member representing employers, appointed by the Governor;

5. One member representing consumers, appointed by the Governor;

6. One member representing health care providers, appointed by the Governor;