House Insurance, Business and Financial Affairs Committee Meeting Report: March 6
Mar 6, 2009
On March 6, 2009, the Florida House Insurance, Business and Financial Affairs Committee met in Tallahassee. To view the Committee packet, click here.
Chairman Pat Patterson recognized State Representative Janet Long as a new member of the Committee.
Below is a brief summary of the actions and discussions that took place regarding insurance-related bills considered by the Committee during the meeting.
House Bill 135 by State Representative Seth McKeel relating to Insured Dependents passed with a strike-everything amendment. To view the amendment, click here.
The bill, which was outlined by State Representative Kelli Stargel, creates an exemption to Florida’s Public Records Act that would preclude disclosing personal identifying information of minor dependents of agency employees when those minor dependents are insured under an agency group insurance plan.
State Representative Ritch Workman expressed concerns with both the bill and amendment because they were too broad in scope.
Several education groups testified in favor of the bill as amended.
House Bill 675 by Representative Workman relating to Medicare Supplement Policies was passed.
The bill extends the right to purchase Medigap insurance during the open enrollment period to Medicare beneficiaries under the age of 65 with end-stage renal disease who are also enrolled in Medicare Part B.
Medical community administrator representatives expressed concerns with the bill because it could substantially increase insurance premiums.
Significant discussions took place regarding the policy considerations of HB 675. Many Committee members supported the bill despite their concerns.
House Bill 741 by Chairman Patterson relating to Insurance Premium Financing was passed with little discussion.
The bill specifies that “paid in full” discounts provided to a policyholder when premium payment is made in full at the beginning of the policy term is not prohibited by the premium financing statute, and is not considered to be premium financing as long as the discount is included in an insurance company’s rate filing and is determined to be actuarially justified by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.
HB 741 would apply to any line of insurance.
The Committee adjourned with no other business.
Should you have any questions, please contact Colodny Fass.
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