GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2001

 

 

SESSION LAW 2001-453

HOUSE BILL 1048

 

 

AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT HEALTH BENEFIT PLANS SHALL NOT MANDATE ADDITIONAL COVERAGE BEYOND WHAT IS REQUIRED AS OF June 30, 2003, WITH CERTAIN EXCEPTION; AND TO AUTHORIZE THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION TO STUDY THE ISSUE OF HEALTH INSURANCE MANDATES. 

 

 

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

 

SECTION 1. Article 50 of Chapter 58 of the General Statutes is amended by adding the following new section to read:

"§ 58-50-63. Additional coverage mandates prohibited; exception.

(a)       Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, except as otherwise provided in this section, an insurer shall not deliver, issue, or renew a health benefit plan after July 1, 2003, that includes any additional coverage requirements beyond those requirements in effect for health benefit plans on June 30, 2003.

(b)       Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit an employer from electing to expand coverage on any group or individual health benefit plan or policy covering the employer and the employees of the employer.

(c)       As used in this section, the terms 'insurer' and 'health benefit plan' have the meaning applied in G.S. 58-3-167."

SECTION 2.  The Legislative Research Commission may study the issue of health insurance mandated benefits and the cost to employers and individuals of unfunded health insurance mandates.  In conducting the study, the Commission shall consider cost-benefit analysis to determine the cost-efficiency of mandated benefits, including any cost-benefit analysis performed by the Department of Insurance. The Commission shall make a progress report to the 2001 General Assembly upon its reconvening in 2002, and shall make its final report to the 2003 General Assembly.  Progress and final reports of the Commission may include recommended legislation.


 

SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law. Section 1 of this act expires July 1, 2005.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 18th day of October, 2001.

 

 

                                                                    s/ Beverly E. Perdue

                                                                         President of the Senate

 

 

                                                                    s/ James B. Black

                                                                         Speaker of the House of Representatives

 

 

                                                                    s/ Michael F. Easley

                                                                         Governor

 

 

Approved 7:31 p.m. this 28th day of October, 2001