Florida Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Meeting Report: March 17
Mar 18, 2009
The Florida Senate Banking and Insurance Committee (“Committee”) met in Tallahassee and discussed several insurance-related bills. To view the Committee packet, click here.
The following is a brief summary of the activities and discussions that occurred during the meeting.
Senate Bill 1022 relating to Medicare/Insurance/End-Stage Renal Disease by Senator Thad Altman (R-Melbourne)
SB 1022, which unanimously passed the Committee, would require that certain insurers issue a Medicare supplement policy to any individual younger than 65 years of age who qualifies for Medicare due to end-stage renal disease.
- SB 1022 now proceeds to the Senate Health Regulation Committee.
SB 354, which passed the Committee, would revise the optional coverage requirements for mental and nervous disorders. The bill also would prohibit durational limits, dollar amounts, deductibles, or coinsurance factors for certain specified illnesses or conditions from being less favorable than those for physical illness, increase the number of days for which inpatient benefits may be limited to, and repeal the provision relating to optional coverage for substance abuse.
Several health insurance industry representatives spoke in opposition to this bill because it would mandate coverage.
- SB 354 now proceeds to the Senate Health Regulation Committee.
Senate Bill 2282 relating to First Responder Services by Senator Mike Bennett (R-Bradenton)
SB 2282 passed the Committee with a strike-everything amendment. The bill prohibits counties and cities from imposing taxes or fees from obtaining reimbursement for costs incurred for services provided by first responders. As amended, SB 2282 excludes ambulance services.
Representatives from several business groups spoke in favor of the bill.
Representatives from several local government entities and agencies (including the Florida League of Cities and Association of Counties, as well as fire and police officials) spoke in opposition to the bill because it would limit the “home rule” authority of local governments.
During discussion, Senators Alex Villalobos (R-Miami) and Mike Fasano (R-New Port Richey) asked a series of questions challenging opposition to the bill. The Senators’ questions related to fee enforcement against nonresidents and procedures for accident response fee billing.
Regarding testimony that first responders would have to reduce services if the SB 354 passes, Senator Bennett noted that several City of Tallahassee officials have received dramatic pay increases. Senator Villalobos also asked if counties could raise property taxes to pay for first responder services. Senator Bennett remarked that local governments should live within their means.
- SB 2282 now proceeds to the Senate Community Affairs Committee.
Senate Bill 1894 relating to Surplus Lines by Senator Bennett
Due to meeting time constraints, SB 1894 was considered, but no vote was taken. Senator Jeremy Ring (D-Margate) had filed an amendment to the bill that would narrow its scope and remove the retroactivity.
Senator Fasano challenged Senator Ring’s contention that surplus lines carriers are not required to inform policy applicants about potential admitted carriers. Florida Deputy Insurance Commissioner Belinda Miller noted that the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation does not want to regulate surplus lines forms and urged the Committee to resolve ambiguity in Florida law by passing the bill.
Following Ms. Miller’s comments, the meeting adjourned. Chairman Garrett Richter (R-Naples) indicated that the bill will be considered first at the next Committee meeting on Wednesday, March 25.
Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Colodny Fass.
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