CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.



                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. CS for CS for SB's 1286, 1134 & 1008

    Amendment No. ___   Barcode 413588

                            CHAMBER ACTION
              Senate                               House
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  4  ______________________________________________________________

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10  ______________________________________________________________

11  Senator Rossin moved the following amendment:

12

13         Senate Amendment (with title amendment) 

14         On page 49, lines 1 and 2, delete those lines

15

16  and insert:

17         Section 16.  Effective July 1, 2002, subsection (12) of

18  section 627.6482, Florida Statutes, is amended, and

19  subsections (15) and (16) are added to that section, to read:

20         627.6482  Definitions.--As used in ss.

21  627.648-627.6498, the term:

22         (12)  "Premium" means the entire cost of an insurance

23  plan, including the administrative fee, the risk assumption

24  charge, and, in the instance of a minimum premium plan or

25  stop-loss coverage, the incurred claims whether or not such

26  claims are paid directly by the insurer.  "Premium" shall not

27  include a health maintenance organization's annual earned

28  premium revenue for Medicare and Medicaid contracts for any

29  assessment due for calendar years 1990 and 1991.  For

30  assessments due for calendar year 1992 and subsequent years, A

31  health maintenance organization's annual earned premium

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. CS for CS for SB's 1286, 1134 & 1008

    Amendment No. ___   Barcode 413588





  1  revenue for Medicare and Medicaid contracts is subject to

  2  assessments unless the department determines that the health

  3  maintenance organization has made a reasonable effort to amend

  4  its Medicare or Medicaid government contract for 1992 and

  5  subsequent years to provide reimbursement for any assessment

  6  on Medicare or Medicaid premiums paid by the health

  7  maintenance organization and the contract does not provide for

  8  such reimbursement.

  9         (15)  "Federal poverty level" means the most current

10  federal poverty guidelines, as established by the federal

11  Department of Health and Human Services and published in the

12  Federal Register, and in effect on the date of the policy and

13  its annual renewal.

14         (16)  "Family income" means the adjusted gross income,

15  as defined in s. 62 of the United States Internal Revenue

16  Code, of all members of a household.

17         Section 17.  Effective July 1, 2002, section 627.6486,

18  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

19         627.6486  Eligibility.--

20         (1)  Except as provided in subsection (2), any person

21  who is a resident of this state and has been a resident of

22  this state for the previous 6 months is shall be eligible for

23  coverage under the plan, including:

24         (a)  The insured's spouse.

25         (b)  Any dependent unmarried child of the insured, from

26  the moment of birth.  Subject to the provisions of ss. s.

27  627.6041 and 627.6562, such coverage shall terminate at the

28  end of the premium period in which the child marries, ceases

29  to be a dependent of the insured, or attains the age of 19,

30  whichever occurs first. However, if the child is a full-time

31  student at an accredited institution of higher learning, the

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. CS for CS for SB's 1286, 1134 & 1008

    Amendment No. ___   Barcode 413588





  1  coverage may continue while the child remains unmarried and a

  2  full-time student, but not beyond the premium period in which

  3  the child reaches age 23.

  4         (c)  The former spouse of the insured whose coverage

  5  would otherwise terminate because of annulment or dissolution

  6  of marriage, if the former spouse is dependent upon the

  7  insured for financial support. The former spouse shall have

  8  continued coverage and shall not be subject to waiting periods

  9  because of the change in policyholder status.

10         (2)(a)  The board or administrator shall require

11  verification of residency for the preceding 6 months and shall

12  require any additional information or documentation, or

13  statements under oath, when necessary to determine residency

14  upon initial application and for the entire term of the

15  policy. A person may demonstrate his or her residency by

16  maintaining his or her residence in this state for the

17  preceding 6 months, purchasing a home that has been occupied

18  by him or her as his or her primary residence for the previous

19  6 months, or having established a domicile in this state

20  pursuant to s. 222.17 for the preceding 6 months.

21         (b)  No person who is currently eligible for health

22  care benefits under Florida's Medicaid program is eligible for

23  coverage under the plan unless:

24         1.  He or she has an illness or disease which requires

25  supplies or medication which are covered by the association

26  but are not included in the benefits provided under Florida's

27  Medicaid program in any form or manner; and

28         2.  He or she is not receiving health care benefits or

29  coverage under Florida's Medicaid program.

30         (c)  No person who is covered under the plan and

31  terminates the coverage is again eligible for coverage.

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. CS for CS for SB's 1286, 1134 & 1008

    Amendment No. ___   Barcode 413588





  1         (d)  No person on whose behalf the plan has paid out

  2  the lifetime maximum benefit currently being offered by the

  3  association of $500,000 in covered benefits is eligible for

  4  coverage under the plan.

  5         (e)  The coverage of any person who ceases to meet the

  6  eligibility requirements of this section may be terminated

  7  immediately.  If such person again becomes eligible for

  8  subsequent coverage under the plan, any previous claims

  9  payments shall be applied towards the $500,000 lifetime

10  maximum benefit and any limitation relating to preexisting

11  conditions in effect at the time such person again becomes

12  eligible shall apply to such person. However, no such person

13  may again become eligible for coverage after June 30, 1991.

14         (f)  No person is eligible for coverage under the plan

15  unless such person has been rejected by two insurers for

16  coverage substantially similar to the plan coverage and no

17  insurer has been found through the market assistance plan

18  pursuant to s. 627.6484 that is willing to accept the

19  application.  As used in this paragraph, "rejection" includes

20  an offer of coverage with a material underwriting restriction

21  or an offer of coverage at a rate greater than the association

22  plan rate.

23         (g)  No person is eligible for coverage under the plan

24  if such person has, or is eligible for, on the date of issue

25  of coverage under the plan, substantially similar coverage

26  under another contract or policy, unless such coverage is

27  provided pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget

28  Reconciliation Act of 1985, Pub. L. No. 99-272, 100 Stat. 82

29  (1986) (COBRA), as amended, or such coverage is provided

30  pursuant to s. 627.6692 and such coverage is scheduled to end

31  at a time certain and the person meets all other requirements

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. CS for CS for SB's 1286, 1134 & 1008

    Amendment No. ___   Barcode 413588





  1  of eligibility. Coverage provided by the association shall be

  2  secondary to any coverage provided by an insurer pursuant to

  3  COBRA or pursuant to s. 627.6692.

  4         (h)  A person is ineligible for coverage under the plan

  5  if such person is currently eligible for health care benefits

  6  under the Medicare program, except for a person who is insured

  7  by the Florida Comprehensive Health Association and enrolled

  8  under Medicare on July 1, 2002. All eligible persons who are

  9  classified as high-risk individuals pursuant to s.

10  627.6498(4)(a)4. shall, upon application or renewal, agree to

11  be placed in a case management system when it is determined by

12  the board and the plan case manager that such system will be

13  cost-effective and provide quality care to the individual.

14         (i)  A person is ineligible for coverage under the plan

15  if such person's premiums are paid for or reimbursed under any

16  government-sponsored program or by any government agency or

17  health care provider.

18         (j)  An eligible individual, as defined in s. 627.6487,

19  and his or her dependents, as described in subsection (1), are

20  automatically eligible for coverage in the association unless

21  the association has ceased accepting new enrollees under s.

22  627.6488. If the association has ceased accepting new

23  enrollees, the eligible individual is subject to the coverage

24  rights set forth in s. 627.6487.

25         (3)  A person's coverage ceases:

26         (a)  On the date a person is no longer a resident of

27  this state;

28         (b)  On the date a person requests coverage to end;

29         (c)  Upon the date of death of the covered person;

30         (d)  On the date state law requires cancellation of the

31  policy; or

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. CS for CS for SB's 1286, 1134 & 1008

    Amendment No. ___   Barcode 413588





  1         (e)  Sixty days after the person receives notice from

  2  the association making any inquiry concerning the person's

  3  eligibility or place or residence to which the person does not

  4  reply.

  5         (4)  All eligible persons must, upon application or

  6  renewal, agree to be placed in a case-management system when

  7  the association and case manager find that such system will be

  8  cost-effective and provide quality care to the individual.

  9         (5)  Except for persons who are insured by the

10  association on December 31, 2002, and who renew such coverage,

11  persons may apply for coverage beginning January 1, 2003, and

12  coverage for such persons shall begin on or after April 1,

13  2003, as determined by the board pursuant to s.

14  627.6488(4)(n).

15         Section 18.  Effective July 1, 2002, subsection (3) of

16  section 627.6487, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

17         627.6487  Guaranteed availability of individual health

18  insurance coverage to eligible individuals.--

19         (3)  For the purposes of this section, the term

20  "eligible individual" means an individual:

21         (a)1.  For whom, as of the date on which the individual

22  seeks coverage under this section, the aggregate of the

23  periods of creditable coverage, as defined in s. 627.6561(5)

24  and (6), is 18 or more months; and

25         2.a.  Whose most recent prior creditable coverage was

26  under a group health plan, governmental plan, or church plan,

27  or health insurance coverage offered in connection with any

28  such plan; or

29         b.  Whose most recent prior creditable coverage was

30  under an individual plan issued in this state by a health

31  insurer or health maintenance organization, which coverage is

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. CS for CS for SB's 1286, 1134 & 1008

    Amendment No. ___   Barcode 413588





  1  terminated due to the insurer or health maintenance

  2  organization becoming insolvent or discontinuing the offering

  3  of all individual coverage in the State of Florida, or due to

  4  the insured no longer living in the service area in the State

  5  of Florida of the insurer or health maintenance organization

  6  that provides coverage through a network plan in the State of

  7  Florida;

  8         (b)  Who is not eligible for coverage under:

  9         1.  A group health plan, as defined in s. 2791 of the

10  Public Health Service Act;

11         2.  A conversion policy or contract issued by an

12  authorized insurer or health maintenance organization under s.

13  627.6675 or s. 641.3921, respectively, offered to an

14  individual who is no longer eligible for coverage under either

15  an insured or self-insured employer plan;

16         3.  Part A or part B of Title XVIII of the Social

17  Security Act; or

18         4.  A state plan under Title XIX of such act, or any

19  successor program, and does not have other health insurance

20  coverage; or

21         5.  The Florida Comprehensive Health Association, if

22  the association is accepting and issuing coverage to new

23  enrollees, provided that the 63-day period specified in s.

24  627.6561(6) shall be tolled from the time the association

25  receives an application from an individual until the

26  association notifies the individual that it is not accepting

27  and issuing coverage to that individual;

28         (c)  With respect to whom the most recent coverage

29  within the coverage period described in paragraph (a) was not

30  terminated based on a factor described in s. 627.6571(2)(a) or

31  (b), relating to nonpayment of premiums or fraud, unless such

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. CS for CS for SB's 1286, 1134 & 1008

    Amendment No. ___   Barcode 413588





  1  nonpayment of premiums or fraud was due to acts of an employer

  2  or person other than the individual;

  3         (d)  Who, having been offered the option of

  4  continuation coverage under a COBRA continuation provision or

  5  under s. 627.6692, elected such coverage; and

  6         (e)  Who, if the individual elected such continuation

  7  provision, has exhausted such continuation coverage under such

  8  provision or program.

  9         Section 19.  Effective July 1, 2002, section 627.6488,

10  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

11         627.6488  Florida Comprehensive Health Association.--

12         (1)  There is created a nonprofit legal entity to be

13  known as the "Florida Comprehensive Health Association."  All

14  insurers, as a condition of doing business, shall be members

15  of the association.

16         (2)(a)  The association shall operate subject to the

17  supervision and approval of a five-member three-member board

18  of directors consisting of the Insurance Commissioner, or his

19  or her designee, who shall serve as chairperson of the board,

20  and four additional members who must be state residents. At

21  least one member must be a representative of an authorized

22  health insurer or health maintenance organization authorized

23  to transact business in this state. The board of directors

24  shall be appointed by the Insurance Commissioner as follows:

25         1.  The chair of the board shall be the Insurance

26  Commissioner or his or her designee.

27         2.  One representative of policyholders who is not

28  associated with the medical profession, a hospital, or an

29  insurer.

30         3.  One representative of insurers.

31

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. CS for CS for SB's 1286, 1134 & 1008

    Amendment No. ___   Barcode 413588





  1  The administrator or his or her affiliate shall not be a

  2  member of the board. Any board member appointed by the

  3  commissioner may be removed and replaced by him or her at any

  4  time without cause.

  5         (b)  All board members, including the chair, shall be

  6  appointed to serve for staggered 3-year terms beginning on a

  7  date as established in the plan of operation.

  8         (c)  The board of directors may shall have the power to

  9  employ or retain such persons as are necessary to perform the

10  administrative and financial transactions and responsibilities

11  of the association and to perform other necessary and proper

12  functions not prohibited by law. Employees of the association

13  shall be reimbursed as provided in s. 112.061 from moneys of

14  the association for expenses incurred in carrying out their

15  responsibilities under this act.

16         (d)  Board members may be reimbursed as provided in s.

17  112.061 from moneys of the association for actual and

18  necessary expenses incurred by them as members in carrying out

19  their responsibilities under the Florida Comprehensive Health

20  Association Act, but may not otherwise be compensated for

21  their services.

22         (e)  There shall be no liability on the part of, and no

23  cause of action of any nature shall arise against, any member

24  insurer, or its agents or employees, agents or employees of

25  the association, members of the board of directors of the

26  association, or the departmental representatives for any act

27  or omission taken by them in the performance of their powers

28  and duties under this act, unless such act or omission by such

29  person is in intentional disregard of the rights of the

30  claimant.

31         (f)  Meetings of the board are subject to s. 286.011.

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. CS for CS for SB's 1286, 1134 & 1008

    Amendment No. ___   Barcode 413588





  1         (3)  The association shall adopt a plan pursuant to

  2  this act and submit its articles, bylaws, and operating rules

  3  to the department for approval.  If the association fails to

  4  adopt such plan and suitable articles, bylaws, and operating

  5  rules within 180 days after the appointment of the board, the

  6  department shall adopt rules to effectuate the provisions of

  7  this act; and such rules shall remain in effect until

  8  superseded by a plan and articles, bylaws, and operating rules

  9  submitted by the association and approved by the department.

10  Such plan shall be reviewed, revised as necessary, and

11  annually submitted to the department for approval.

12         (4)  The association shall:

13         (a)  Establish administrative and accounting procedures

14  and internal controls for the operation of the association and

15  provide for an annual financial audit of the association by an

16  independent certified public accountant licensed pursuant to

17  chapter 473.

18         (b)  Establish procedures under which applicants and

19  participants in the plan may have grievances reviewed by an

20  impartial body and reported to the board. Individuals

21  receiving care through the association under contract from a

22  health maintenance organization must follow the grievance

23  procedures established in ss. 408.7056 and 641.31(5).

24         (c)  Select an administrator in accordance with s.

25  627.649.

26         (d)  Collect assessments from all insurers to provide

27  for operating losses incurred or estimated to be incurred

28  during the period for which the assessment is made.  The level

29  of payments shall be established by the board, as formulated

30  in s. 627.6492(1). Annual assessment of the insurers for each

31  calendar year shall occur as soon thereafter as the operating

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. CS for CS for SB's 1286, 1134 & 1008

    Amendment No. ___   Barcode 413588





  1  results of the plan for the calendar year and the earned

  2  premiums of insurers being assessed for that year are known.

  3  Annual assessments are due and payable within 30 days of

  4  receipt of the assessment notice by the insurer.

  5         (e)  Require that all policy forms issued by the

  6  association conform to standard forms developed by the

  7  association. The forms shall be approved by the department.

  8         (f)  Develop and implement a program to publicize the

  9  existence of the plan, the eligibility requirements for the

10  plan, and the procedures for enrollment in the plan and to

11  maintain public awareness of the plan.

12         (g)  Design and employ cost containment measures and

13  requirements which may include preadmission certification,

14  home health care, hospice care, negotiated purchase of medical

15  and pharmaceutical supplies, and individual case management.

16         (h)  Contract with preferred provider organizations and

17  health maintenance organizations giving due consideration to

18  the preferred provider organizations and health maintenance

19  organizations which have contracted with the state group

20  health insurance program pursuant to s. 110.123.  If

21  cost-effective and available in the county where the

22  policyholder resides, the board, upon application or renewal

23  of a policy, shall place a high-risk individual, as

24  established under s. 627.6498(4)(a)4., with the plan case

25  manager who shall determine the most cost-effective quality

26  care system or health care provider and shall place the

27  individual in such system or with such health care provider.

28  If cost-effective and available in the county where the

29  policyholder resides, the board, with the consent of the

30  policyholder, may place a low-risk or medium-risk individual,

31  as established under s. 627.6498(4)(a)4., with the plan case

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. CS for CS for SB's 1286, 1134 & 1008

    Amendment No. ___   Barcode 413588





  1  manager who may determine the most cost-effective quality care

  2  system or health care provider and shall place the individual

  3  in such system or with such health care provider. Prior to and

  4  during the implementation of case management, the plan case

  5  manager shall obtain input from the policyholder, parent, or

  6  guardian.

  7         (h)(i)  Make a report to the Governor, the President of

  8  the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and

  9  the Minority Leaders of the Senate and the House of

10  Representatives not later than March 1 October 1 of each year.

11  The report shall summarize the activities of the plan for the

12  prior fiscal 12-month period ending July 1 of that year,

13  including then-current data and estimates as to net written

14  and earned premiums, the expense of administration, and the

15  paid and incurred losses for the year.  The report shall also

16  include analysis and recommendations for legislative changes

17  regarding utilization review, quality assurance, an evaluation

18  of the administrator of the plan, access to cost-effective

19  health care, and cost containment/case management policy and

20  recommendations concerning the opening of enrollment to new

21  entrants as of July 1, 1992.

22         (i)(j)  Make a report to the Governor, the Insurance

23  Commissioner, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the

24  House of Representatives, and the Minority Leaders of the

25  Senate and House of Representatives, not later than 45 days

26  after the close of each calendar quarter, which includes, for

27  the prior quarter, current data and estimates of net written

28  and earned premiums, the expenses of administration, and the

29  paid and incurred losses.  The report shall identify any

30  statutorily mandated program that has not been fully

31  implemented by the board.

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. CS for CS for SB's 1286, 1134 & 1008

    Amendment No. ___   Barcode 413588





  1         (j)(k)  To facilitate preparation of assessments and

  2  for other purposes, the board shall engage an independent

  3  certified public account licensed pursuant to chapter 473 to

  4  conduct an annual financial audit of the association direct

  5  preparation of annual audited financial statements for each

  6  calendar year as soon as feasible following the conclusion of

  7  that calendar year, and shall, within 30 days after the

  8  issuance rendition of such statements, file with the

  9  department the annual report containing such information as

10  required by the department to be filed on March 1 of each

11  year.

12         (k)(l)  Employ a plan case manager or managers to

13  supervise and manage the medical care or coordinate the

14  supervision and management of the medical care, with the

15  administrator, of specified individuals.  The plan case

16  manager, with the approval of the board, shall have final

17  approval over the case management for any specific individual.

18  If cost-effective and available in the county where the

19  policyholder resides, the association, upon application or

20  renewal of a policy, may place an individual with the plan

21  case manager, who shall determine the most cost-effective

22  quality care system or health care provider and shall place

23  the individual in such system or with such health care

24  provider. Prior to and during the implementation of case

25  management, the plan case manager shall obtain input from the

26  policyholder, parent or guardian, and the health care

27  providers.

28         (l)  Administer the association in a fiscally

29  responsible manner that ensures that its expenditures are

30  reasonable in relation to the services provided and that the

31  financial resources of the association are adequate to meet

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. CS for CS for SB's 1286, 1134 & 1008

    Amendment No. ___   Barcode 413588





  1  its obligations.

  2         (m)  At least annually, but no more than quarterly,

  3  evaluate or cause to be evaluated the actuarial soundness of

  4  the association. The association shall contract with an

  5  actuary to evaluate the pool of insureds in the association

  6  and monitor the financial condition of the association. The

  7  actuary shall determine the feasibility of enrolling new

  8  members in the association, which must be based on the

  9  projected revenues and expenses of the association.

10         (n)  Restrict at any time the number of participants in

11  the association based on a determination by the board that the

12  revenues will be inadequate to fund new participants. However,

13  any person denied participation solely on the basis of such

14  restriction must be granted priority for participation in the

15  succeeding period in which the association is reopened for

16  participants. Effective April 1, 2003, the association may

17  provide coverage for up to 500 persons for the period ending

18  December 31, 2003. On or after January 1, 2004, the

19  association may enroll an additional 1,500 persons. At no time

20  may the association provide coverage for more than 2,000

21  persons. Except as provided in s. 627.6486(2)(j), applications

22  for enrollment must be processed on a first-in, first-out

23  basis.

24         (o)  Establish procedures to maintain separate accounts

25  and recordkeeping for policyholders prior to January 1, 2003,

26  and policyholders issued coverage on and after January 1,

27  2003.

28         (p)  Appoint an executive director to serve as the

29  chief administrative and operational officer of the

30  association and operate within the specifications of the plan

31  of operation and perform other duties assigned to him or her

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. CS for CS for SB's 1286, 1134 & 1008

    Amendment No. ___   Barcode 413588





  1  by the board.

  2         (5)  The association may:

  3         (a)  Exercise powers granted to insurers under the laws

  4  of this state.

  5         (b)  Sue or be sued.

  6         (c)  In addition to imposing annual assessments under

  7  paragraph (4)(d), levy interim assessments against insurers to

  8  ensure the financial ability of the plan to cover claims

  9  expenses and administrative expenses paid or estimated to be

10  paid in the operation of the plan for a calendar year prior to

11  the association's anticipated receipt of annual assessments

12  for that calendar year.  Any interim assessment shall be due

13  and payable within 30 days after of receipt by an insurer of

14  an interim assessment notice.  Interim assessment payments

15  shall be credited against the insurer's annual assessment.

16  Such assessments may be levied only for costs and expenses

17  associated with policyholders insured with the association

18  prior to January 1, 2003.

19         (d)  Prepare or contract for a performance audit of the

20  administrator of the association.

21         (e)  Appear in its own behalf before boards,

22  commissions, or other governmental agencies.

23         (f)  Solicit and accept gifts, grants, loans, and other

24  aid from any source or participate in any way in any

25  government program to carry out the purposes of the Florida

26  Comprehensive Health Association Act.

27         (g)  Require and collect administrative fees and

28  charges in connection with any transaction and impose

29  reasonable penalties, including default, for delinquent

30  payments or for entering into the association on a fraudulent

31  basis.

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. CS for CS for SB's 1286, 1134 & 1008

    Amendment No. ___   Barcode 413588





  1         (h)  Procure insurance against any loss in connection

  2  with the property, assets, and activities of the association

  3  or the board.

  4         (i)  Contract for necessary goods and services; employ

  5  necessary personnel; and engage the services of private

  6  consultants, actuaries, managers, legal counsel, and

  7  independent certified public accountants for administrative or

  8  technical assistance.

  9         (6)  The department shall examine and investigate the

10  association in the manner provided in part II of chapter 624.

11         Section 20.  Effective July 1, 2002, paragraph (b) of

12  subsection (3) of section 627.649, Florida Statutes, is

13  amended to read:

14         627.649  Administrator.--

15         (3)  The administrator shall:

16         (b)  Pay an agent's referral fee as established by the

17  board to each insurance agent who refers an applicant to the

18  plan, if the applicant's application is accepted.  The selling

19  or marketing of plans shall not be limited to the

20  administrator or its agents. Any agent must be licensed by the

21  department to sell health insurance in this state. The

22  referral fees shall be paid by the administrator from moneys

23  received as premiums for the plan.

24         Section 21.  Effective July 1, 2002, section 627.6492,

25  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

26         627.6492  Participation of insurers.--

27         (1)(a)  As a condition of doing business in this state

28  an insurer shall pay an assessment to the board, in the amount

29  prescribed by this section. This subsection and subsections

30  (2) and (3) apply only to the costs and expenses associated

31  with policyholders insured with the association prior to

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

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  1  January 1, 2003, including renewal of coverage for such

  2  policyholders after that date. For operating losses incurred

  3  in any calendar year on July 1, 1991, and thereafter, each

  4  insurer shall annually be assessed by the board in the

  5  following calendar year a portion of such incurred operating

  6  losses of the plan; such portion shall be determined by

  7  multiplying such operating losses by a fraction, the numerator

  8  of which equals the insurer's earned premium pertaining to

  9  direct writings of health insurance in the state during the

10  calendar year preceding that for which the assessment is

11  levied, and the denominator of which equals the total of all

12  such premiums earned by participating insurers in the state

13  during such calendar year.

14         (b)  For operating losses incurred from July 1, 1991,

15  through December 31, 1991, the total of all assessments upon a

16  participating insurer shall not exceed .375 percent of such

17  insurer's health insurance premiums earned in this state

18  during 1990. For operating losses incurred in 1992 and

19  thereafter, The total of all assessments upon a participating

20  insurer shall not exceed 1 percent of such insurer's health

21  insurance premium earned in this state during the calendar

22  year preceding the year for which the assessments were levied.

23         (c)  For operating losses incurred from October 1,

24  1990, through June 30, 1991, the board shall assess each

25  insurer in the amount and manner prescribed by chapter 90-334,

26  Laws of Florida. The maximum assessment against an insurer, as

27  provided in such act, shall apply separately to the claims

28  incurred in 1990 (October 1 through December 31) and the

29  claims incurred in 1991 (January 1 through June 30).  For

30  operating losses incurred on January 1, 1991, through June 30,

31  1991, the maximum assessment against an insurer shall be

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. CS for CS for SB's 1286, 1134 & 1008

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  1  one-half of the amount of the maximum assessment specified for

  2  such insurer in former s. 627.6492(1)(b), 1990 Supplement, as

  3  amended by chapter 90-334, Laws of Florida.

  4         (c)(d)  All rights, title, and interest in the

  5  assessment funds collected shall vest in this state.  However,

  6  all of such funds and interest earned shall be used by the

  7  association to pay claims and administrative expenses.

  8         (2)  If assessments and other receipts by the

  9  association, board, or administrator exceed the actual losses

10  and administrative expenses of the plan, the excess shall be

11  held at interest and used by the board to offset future

12  losses.  As used in this subsection, the term "future losses"

13  includes reserves for claims incurred but not reported.

14         (3)  Each insurer's assessment shall be determined

15  annually by the association based on annual statements and

16  other reports deemed necessary by the association and filed

17  with it by the insurer.  Any deficit incurred under the plan

18  shall be recouped by assessments against participating

19  insurers by the board in the manner provided in subsection

20  (1); and the insurers may recover the assessment in the normal

21  course of their respective businesses without time limitation.

22         (4)(a)  This subsection applies only to those costs and

23  expenses of the association related to persons whose coverage

24  begins after January 1, 2003. As a condition of doing business

25  in this state, every insurer shall pay an amount determined by

26  the board of up to 25 cents per month for each individual

27  policy or covered group subscriber insured in this state, not

28  including covered dependents, under a health insurance policy,

29  certificate, or other evidence of coverage that is issued for

30  a resident of this state and shall file the information with

31  the association as required pursuant to paragraph (d). Any

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

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  1  insurer who neglects, fails, or refuses to collect the fee

  2  shall be liable for and pay the fee. The fee shall not be

  3  subject to the provisions of s. 624.509.

  4         (b)  For purposes of this subsection, health insurance

  5  does not include accident only, specified disease, individual

  6  hospital indemnity, credit, dental-only, vision-only, Medicare

  7  supplement, long-term care, nursing home care, home health

  8  care, community-based care, or disability income insurance;

  9  similar supplemental plans provided under a separate policy,

10  certificate, or contract of insurance, which cannot duplicate

11  coverage under an underlying health plan and are specifically

12  designed to fill gaps in the underlying health plan,

13  coinsurance, or deductibles; any policy covering

14  medical-payment coverage or personal injury protection

15  coverage in a motor vehicle policy; coverage issued as a

16  supplement to liability insurance; or workers' compensation

17  insurance. For the purposes of this subsection, the term

18  "insurer" as defined in s. 627.6482(7) also includes

19  administrators licensed pursuant to s. 626.8805, and any

20  insurer defined in s. 627.6482(7) from whom any person

21  providing health insurance to Florida residents procures

22  insurance for itself in the insurer, with respect to all or

23  part of the health insurance risk of the person, or provides

24  administrative services only. This definition of insurer

25  excludes self-insured, employee welfare benefit plans that are

26  not regulated by the Florida Insurance Code pursuant to the

27  Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Pub. L. No.

28  93-406, as amended. However, this definition of insurer

29  includes multiple employer welfare arrangements as provided

30  for in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,

31  Pub. L. No. 93-406, as amended. Each covered group subscriber,

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. CS for CS for SB's 1286, 1134 & 1008

    Amendment No. ___   Barcode 413588





  1  without regard to covered dependents of the subscriber, shall

  2  be counted only once with respect to any assessment. For that

  3  purpose, the board shall allow an insurer as defined by this

  4  subsection to exclude from its number of covered group

  5  subscribers those who have been counted by any primary insurer

  6  providing health insurance coverage pursuant to s. 624.603.

  7         (c)  The calculation shall be determined as of December

  8  31 of each year and shall include all policies and covered

  9  subscribers, not including covered dependents of the

10  subscribers, insured at any time during the year, calculated

11  for each month of coverage. The payment is payable to the

12  association no later than April 1 of the subsequent year. The

13  first payment shall be forwarded to the association no later

14  than April 1, 2003, covering the period of October 1, 2002,

15  through December 31, 2002.

16         (d)  The payment of such funds shall be submitted to

17  the association accompanied by a form prescribed by the

18  association and adopted in the plan of operation. The form

19  shall identify the number of covered lives for different types

20  of health insurance products and the number of months of

21  coverage.

22         (e)  Beginning October 1, 2002, the fee paid to the

23  association may be charged by the health insurer directly to

24  each policyholder, insured member, or subscriber and is not

25  part of the premium subject to the department's review and

26  approval. Nonpayment of the fee shall be considered nonpayment

27  of premium for purposes of s. 627.6043.

28         Section 22.  Effective July 1, 2002, section 627.6498,

29  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

30         627.6498  Minimum benefits coverage; exclusions;

31  premiums; deductibles.--

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. CS for CS for SB's 1286, 1134 & 1008

    Amendment No. ___   Barcode 413588





  1         (1)  COVERAGE OFFERED.--

  2         (a)  The plan shall offer in an annually a semiannually

  3  renewable policy the coverage specified in this section for

  4  each eligible person. For applications accepted on or after

  5  June 7, 1991, but before July 1, 1991, coverage shall be

  6  effective on July 1, 1991, and shall be renewable on January

  7  1, 1992, and every 6 months thereafter.  Policies in existence

  8  on June 7, 1991, shall, upon renewal, be for a term of less

  9  than 6 months that terminates and becomes subject to

10  subsequent renewal on the next succeeding January 1 or July 1,

11  whichever is sooner.

12         (b)  If an eligible person is also eligible for

13  Medicare coverage, the plan shall not pay or reimburse any

14  person for expenses paid by Medicare.

15         (c)  Any person whose health insurance coverage is

16  involuntarily terminated for any reason other than nonpayment

17  of premium may apply for coverage under the plan.  If such

18  coverage is applied for within 60 days after the involuntary

19  termination and if premiums are paid for the entire period of

20  coverage, the effective date of the coverage shall be the date

21  of termination of the previous coverage.

22         (b)(d)  The plan shall provide that, upon the death or

23  divorce of the individual in whose name the contract was

24  issued, every other person then covered in the contract may

25  elect within 60 days to continue under the same or a different

26  contract.

27         (c)(e)  No coverage provided to a person who is

28  eligible for Medicare benefits shall be issued as a Medicare

29  supplement policy as defined in s. 627.672.

30         (2)  BENEFITS.--

31         (a)  The plan must offer coverage to every eligible

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

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    Amendment No. ___   Barcode 413588





  1  person subject to limitations set by the association. The

  2  coverage offered must pay an eligible person's covered

  3  expenses, subject to limits on the deductible and coinsurance

  4  payments authorized under subsection (4). The lifetime

  5  benefits limit for such coverage shall be $500,000. However,

  6  policyholders of association policies issued prior to 1993 are

  7  entitled to continued coverage at the benefit level

  8  established prior to January 1, 2003. Only the premium,

  9  deductible, and coinsurance amounts may be modified as

10  determined necessary by the board. The plan shall offer major

11  medical expense coverage similar to that provided by the state

12  group health insurance program as defined in s. 110.123 except

13  as specified in subsection (3) to every eligible person who is

14  not eligible for Medicare. Major medical expense coverage

15  offered under the plan shall pay an eligible person's covered

16  expenses, subject to limits on the deductible and coinsurance

17  payments authorized under subsection (4), up to a lifetime

18  limit of $500,000 per covered individual. The maximum limit

19  under this paragraph shall not be altered by the board, and no

20  actuarially equivalent benefit may be substituted by the

21  board.

22         (b)  The plan shall provide that any policy issued to a

23  person eligible for Medicare shall be separately rated to

24  reflect differences in experience reasonably expected to occur

25  as a result of Medicare payments.

26         (3)  COVERED EXPENSES.--

27         (a)  The board shall establish the coverage to be

28  issued by the association.

29         (b)  If the coverage is being issued to an eligible

30  individual as defined in s. 627.6487, the individual shall be

31  offered, at the option of the individual, the basic and the

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

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    Amendment No. ___   Barcode 413588





  1  standard health benefit plan as established in s. 627.6699.

  2  The coverage to be issued by the association shall be

  3  patterned after the state group health insurance program as

  4  defined in s. 110.123, including its benefits, exclusions, and

  5  other limitations, except as otherwise provided in this act.

  6  The plan may cover the cost of experimental drugs which have

  7  been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration on

  8  an experimental basis if the cost is less than the usual and

  9  customary treatment.  Such coverage shall only apply to those

10  insureds who are in the case management system upon the

11  approval of the insured, the case manager, and the board.

12         (4)  PREMIUMS AND, DEDUCTIBLES, AND COINSURANCE.--

13         (a)  The plan shall provide for annual deductibles for

14  major medical expense coverage in the amount of $1,000 or any

15  higher amounts proposed by the board and approved by the

16  department, plus the benefits payable under any other type of

17  insurance coverage or workers' compensation.  The schedule of

18  premiums and deductibles shall be established by the board

19  association. With regard to any preferred provider arrangement

20  utilized by the association, the deductibles provided in this

21  paragraph shall be the minimum deductibles applicable to the

22  preferred providers and higher deductibles, as approved by the

23  department, may be applied to providers who are not preferred

24  providers.

25         1.  Separate schedules of premium rates based on age

26  may apply for individual risks.

27         2.  Rates are subject to approval by the department

28  pursuant to ss. 627.410 and 627.411, except as provided by

29  this section. The board shall revise premium schedules

30  annually, beginning January 2003.

31         3.  Standard risk rates for coverages issued by the

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

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  1  association shall be established by the department, pursuant

  2  to s. 627.6675(3).

  3         3.4.  The board shall establish three premium schedules

  4  based upon an individual's family income:

  5         a.  Schedule A is applicable to an individual whose

  6  family income exceeds the allowable amount for determining

  7  eligibility under the Medicaid program, up to and including

  8  200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Premiums for a

  9  person under this schedule may not exceed 150 percent of the

10  standard risk rate.

11         b.  Schedule B is applicable to an individual whose

12  family income exceeds 200 percent but is less than 300 percent

13  of the Federal Poverty Level. Premiums for a person under this

14  schedule may not exceed 250 percent of the standard risk rate.

15         c.  Schedule C is applicable to an individual whose

16  family income is equal to or greater than 300 percent of the

17  Federal Poverty Level. Premiums for a person under this

18  schedule may not exceed 300 percent of the standard risk rate.

19  establish separate premium schedules for low-risk individuals,

20  medium-risk individuals, and high-risk individuals and shall

21  revise premium schedules annually beginning January 1999.

22         4.  The standard risk rate shall be determined by the

23  department pursuant to s. 627.6675(3). The rate shall be

24  adjusted for benefit differences. No rate shall exceed 200

25  percent of the standard risk rate for low-risk individuals,

26  225 percent of the standard risk rate for medium-risk

27  individuals, or 250 percent of the standard risk rate for

28  high-risk individuals. For the purpose of determining what

29  constitutes a low-risk individual, medium-risk individual, or

30  high-risk individual, the board shall consider the anticipated

31  claims payment for individuals based upon an individual's

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. CS for CS for SB's 1286, 1134 & 1008

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  1  health condition.

  2         (b)  If the covered costs incurred by the eligible

  3  person exceed the deductible for major medical expense

  4  coverage selected by the person in a policy year, the plan

  5  shall pay in the following manner:

  6         1.  For individuals placed under case management, the

  7  plan shall pay 90 percent of the additional covered costs

  8  incurred by the person during the policy year for the first

  9  $10,000, after which the plan shall pay 100 percent of the

10  covered costs incurred by the person during the policy year.

11         2.  For individuals utilizing the preferred provider

12  network, the plan shall pay 80 percent of the additional

13  covered costs incurred by the person during the policy year

14  for the first $10,000, after which the plan shall pay 90

15  percent of covered costs incurred by the person during the

16  policy year.

17         3.  If the person does not utilize either the case

18  management system or the preferred provider network, the plan

19  shall pay 60 percent of the additional covered costs incurred

20  by the person for the first $10,000, after which the plan

21  shall pay 70 percent of the additional covered costs incurred

22  by the person during the policy year.

23         (5)  PREEXISTING CONDITIONS.--An association policy

24  shall may contain provisions under which coverage is excluded

25  during a period of 12 months following the effective date of

26  coverage with respect to a given covered individual for any

27  preexisting condition, as long as:

28         (a)  The condition manifested itself within a period of

29  6 months before the effective date of coverage; or

30         (b)  Medical advice or treatment was recommended or

31  received within a period of 6 months before the effective date

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

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  1  of coverage.

  2

  3  This subsection does not apply to an eligible individual as

  4  defined in s. 627.6487.

  5         (6)  OTHER SOURCES PRIMARY.--

  6         (a)  No amounts paid or payable by Medicare or any

  7  other governmental program or any other insurance, or

  8  self-insurance maintained in lieu of otherwise statutorily

  9  required insurance, may be made or recognized as claims under

10  such policy or be recognized as or towards satisfaction of

11  applicable deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums or to reduce

12  the limits of benefits available.

13         (b)  The association has a cause of action against a

14  participant for any benefits paid to the participant which

15  should not have been claimed or recognized as claims because

16  of the provisions of this subsection or because otherwise not

17  covered.

18         (7)  NONENTITLEMENT.--The Florida Comprehensive Health

19  Association Act does not provide an individual with an

20  entitlement to health care services or health insurance. A

21  cause of action does not arise against the state, the board,

22  or the association for failure to make health services or

23  health insurance available under the Florida Comprehensive

24  Health Association Act.

25         Section 23.  The Legislature finds that the provisions

26  of this act fulfill an important state interest.

27         Section 24.  The amendments in this act to section

28  627.6487, Florida Statutes, shall not take effect unless the

29  Health Care Financing Administration of the U.S. Department of

30  Health and Human Services approves this act as providing an

31  acceptable alternative mechanism, as provided in the Public

                                  26
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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. CS for CS for SB's 1286, 1134 & 1008

    Amendment No. ___   Barcode 413588





  1  Health Service Act.

  2         Section 25.  Effective January 1, 2003, section

  3  627.6484, Florida Statutes, is repealed.

  4         Section 26.  Except as otherwise expressly provided in

  5  this act, this act shall take effect October 1, 2002.

  6

  7

  8  ================ T I T L E   A M E N D M E N T ===============

  9  And the title is amended as follows:

10         On page 4, line 10, delete that line

11

12  and insert:

13         contracts; amending s. 627.6482, F.S.; amending

14         definitions used in the Florida Comprehensive

15         Health Association Act; amending s. 627.6486,

16         F.S.; revising the criteria for eligibility for

17         coverage from the association; providing for

18         cessation of coverage; requiring all eligible

19         persons to agree to be placed in a

20         case-management system; amending s. 627.6487,

21         F.S.; redefining the term "eligible individual"

22         for purposes of guaranteed availability of

23         individual health insurance coverage; providing

24         that a person is not eligible if the person is

25         eligible for coverage under the Florida

26         Comprehensive Health Association; amending s.

27         627.6488, F.S.; revising the membership of the

28         board of directors of the association; revising

29         the reimbursement of board members and

30         employees; requiring that the plan of the

31         association be submitted to the department for

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. CS for CS for SB's 1286, 1134 & 1008

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  1         approval on an annual basis; revising the

  2         duties of the association related to

  3         administrative and accounting procedures;

  4         requiring an annual financial audit; specifying

  5         grievance procedures; establishing a premium

  6         schedule based upon an individual's family

  7         income; deleting requirements for categorizing

  8         insureds as low-risk, medium-risk, and

  9         high-risk; authorizing the association to place

10         an individual with a case manager who

11         determines the health care system or provider;

12         requiring an annual review of the actuarial

13         soundness of the association and the

14         feasibility of enrolling new members; requiring

15         a separate account for policyholders insured

16         prior to a specified date; requiring

17         appointment of an executive director with

18         specified duties; authorizing the board to

19         restrict the number of participants based on

20         inadequate funding; limiting enrollment;

21         specifying other powers of the board; amending

22         s. 627.649, F.S.; revising the requirements for

23         the association to use in selecting an

24         administrator; amending s. 627.6492, F.S.;

25         requiring insurers to be members of the

26         association and to be subject to assessments

27         for operating expenses; limiting assessments to

28         specified maximum amounts; specifying when

29         assessments are calculated and paid; allowing

30         certain assessments to be charged by the health

31         insurer directly to each insured, member, or

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                                                  SENATE AMENDMENT

    Bill No. CS for CS for SB's 1286, 1134 & 1008

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  1         subscriber and to not be subject to department

  2         review or approval; amending s. 627.6498, F.S.;

  3         revising the coverage, benefits, covered

  4         expenses, premiums, and deductibles of the

  5         association; requiring preexisting condition

  6         limitations; providing that the act does not

  7         provide an entitlement to health care services

  8         or health insurance and does not create a cause

  9         of action; limiting enrollment in the

10         association; repealing s. 627.6484, F.S.,

11         relating to a prohibition on the Florida

12         Comprehensive Health Association from accepting

13         applications for coverage after a certain date;

14         making a legislative finding that the

15         provisions of this act fulfill an important

16         state interest; providing that the amendments

17         to s. 627.6487, F.S., do not take effect unless

18         approved by the U.S. Health Care Financing

19         Administration; providing effective dates.

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

                                  29
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