115th CONGRESS 1st Session |
To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to preserve consumer and employer access to licensed independent insurance producers.
December 6, 2017
Mr. Long (for himself and Mr. Schrader) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to preserve consumer and employer access to licensed independent insurance producers.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
This Act may be cited as the “Access to Independent Health Insurance Advisors Act of 2017”.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Licensed independent insurance producers (agents and brokers) provide a wide range of services for both individual consumers and the business community. Producers interface with insurers, acquire quotes, analyze plan options, and consult clients through the purchase of health insurance.
(2) Licensed independent insurance producers provide guidance regarding benefit and contribution arrangements to ensure compliance with applicable State and Federal laws and regulations; assist with establishing section 125 plan tax savings under the Internal Revenue Code, health reimbursement arrangements, flexible spending arrangements, evaluating and securing small business tax credits as provided in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and other programs to maximize tax advantages and ensure compliance with applicable Internal Revenue Service guidelines; create educational materials and provide on-site assistance to aid in employee benefit communication; assist in managing eligibility for new hires and terminated employees; provide advocacy for employees through the health insurance claim process; and advocate for employers with insurers in developing proposals, renewals, and for service issues throughout the year.
(3) In order to meet these responsibilities, licensed independent insurance producers are required to complete continuing education on an ongoing basis in order to maintain appropriate licenses. This requirement to maintain educational standards helps assure the insured public that producers remain current with the ever-evolving insurance market.
(4) It is essential that licensed independent insurance producers continue to perform these duties, and others, as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has made significant changes to the regulatory environment for health plans. To understand these changes, employers and consumers will need professional guidance even more in the future. This service is especially important for small businesses, as such producers often fill the role of a human resources department as well as professional consultant.
(5) The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), whose core mission is to protect consumers in all aspects of the business of insurance, strongly advocates for the continuing role of licensed independent insurance producers in health insurance, and has expressed that the ability of insurance agents and brokers to continue assisting health insurance consumers at a time of rapid insurance market changes is more essential than ever. On November 22, 2011, the NAIC adopted a resolution stating that “Congress should expeditiously consider legislation amending the MLR provisions of the PPACA in order to preserve consumer access to agents and brokers”.
(6) It is critical that the indispensable role played by licensed independent insurance producers is recognized and protected.
SEC. 3. Protecting the ability of licensed independent insurance producers to continue to serve the public.
(a) In general.—Section 2718 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg–18), as inserted by section 1001 and amended by section 10101(f) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 110–148), is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)(3), by inserting “, remuneration paid for licensed independent insurance producers,” after “State taxes”; and
(A) in the matter preceding clause (i) of subparagraph (A), by inserting “, remuneration paid for licensed independent insurance producers in the individual and small group market,” after “State taxes”; and
(B) in subparagraph (B)(i)(II), by inserting “, remuneration paid for licensed independent insurance producers in the individual and small group market,” after “State taxes”; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
“(f) Independent insurance producer remuneration definitions.—For purposes of this section:
“(1) The term ‘independent insurance producer’ means an insurance agent or broker, insurance consultant, benefit specialist, limited insurance representative, and any other person required to be licensed under the laws of the particular State to sell, solicit, negotiate, service, effect, procure, renew or bind policies of insurance coverage or offer advice, counsel, opinions, or services related to insurance.
“(2) The term ‘remuneration’ means compensation earned from an insurance issuer for services rendered under contractual agreement which may include commissions or any other thing of value but which shall not include production bonuses.”.
(b) Regulations.—Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall amend any applicable regulations as necessary to implement the amendments made by subsection (a).