MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Insurance

By: Senator(s) Kirby

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 83-63-1, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE CONDITIONS UPON WHICH CERTAIN HEALTH BENEFIT PLANS ARE SUBJECT TO THE LAWS GOVERNING SMALL EMPLOYER HEALTH BENEFIT PLANS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 83-63-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

83-63-1. (1) This chapter shall apply to any health benefit plan that provides coverage to the employees of a small employer in this state if any of the following conditions are met:

(a) Any portion of the premium or benefits is paid by or on behalf of the small employer;

(b) An eligible employee or dependent is reimbursed, whether through wage adjustments or otherwise, by or on behalf of the small employer for any portion of the premium; or

(c) The health benefit plan is treated by the employer or any of the eligible employees or dependents as part of a plan or program for the purposes of Section 162 * * * or Section 106 of the United States Internal Revenue Code.

(2) This chapter shall not apply to an employer whose only role is collecting through payroll deduction the premiums of individual policies on behalf of employees.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2000.