This bill proposes to amend Arizona Revised Statutes by adding a new section (20-128) and modifying an existing section (20-1384) related to health care insurance. The new provisions require health care insurers offering individual health care plans, short-term limited duration insurance, or small employer group health care plans to ensure coverage of essential health care benefits, limit cost sharing, and provide preventive care without cost sharing. Additionally, it prohibits insurers from denying coverage based on health status, imposing preexisting condition exclusions, or unfairly discriminating in premium rates based on age or sex.

The bill also introduces definitions for key terms such as "essential health care benefits," "health care insurer," and "preexisting condition exclusion or limitation." Notably, it removes the existing language that states short-term limited duration insurance is not subject to state health coverage mandates, thereby subjecting it to the new requirements outlined in the bill. Overall, the proposed changes aim to enhance consumer protections and ensure broader access to essential health care services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 20-128, 20-1384