Chapter 194

2018 -- S 2019 Enacted 07/02/2018

A N   A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND HEALTH BENEFIT EXCHANGE

Introduced By: Senator Roger Picard

Date Introduced: January 11, 2018

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Chapter 42-157 of the General Laws entitled "Rhode Island Health Benefit

Exchange" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

42-157-5.1. Small business health options program (SHOP) innovation waiver.

(a) As small business owners and sole proprietors are the life blood of this state's

economy, a recent change in the Federal Affordable Care Act effective on January 1, 2016, has

caused irreparable harm to the economic well-being of small business owners and sole proprietors

by requiring them to secure health insurance coverage on the individual market as opposed to

securing health insurance coverage on the small group market.

(b) In an effort to reduce and/or eliminate the irreparable economic harm, the director of

the department of administration, with assistance from the commissioner of health insurance,

shall seek a waiver under Section 1332 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Pub. L.

No. 111-148, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, Pub. L.

No. 111-152, for the purpose of allowing businesses classified as self-employed and sole

proprietors to purchase insurance in the small group market through the Health Source health

source RI for Employers employers SHOP program and not be forced into the individual market.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC003679

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