A.__The plan must be offered by all carriers offering small group health plans in the State; and

B.__The plan premium rate may not exceed 10% of the State's average annual wage.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the commission has the authority to define a minimum standard small group health plan that does not include certain or all health benefits mandated by state law if the exclusion of the mandated benefit or benefits is necessary to meeting the requirement of paragraph B.

SUMMARY

This bill establishes a commission composed of the Superintendent of Insurance and 2 public members to define a minimum standard small group health plan. Current law requires the superintendent to define a standard small group health plan and a basic small group health plan. This bill requires the commission in addition to design a 3rd small group health plan, the annual premium for which cannot exceed 10% of the Maine average annual wage. To accomplish the goal of affordable premiums, the commission is authorized to define a plan that does not include mandated health benefits.