House Bill No. 6999 requires the Comptroller to conduct a study, in collaboration with the Office of Policy and Management, the Insurance Department, and relevant trade associations, to assess the feasibility and implications of allowing trade associations to pool their memberships for group health insurance plans through a multiple employer welfare arrangement. The study, due by February 1, 2026, will evaluate factors such as the number of employees covered, estimated premiums, suggested contributions to health savings accounts, and legislative recommendations. Importantly, the report will maintain confidentiality by not disclosing any identifying information about the organizations involved.

In addition to the study, the bill modifies existing reporting requirements for nonstate public employers by repealing Section 3-123xxx and replacing it with a new section that mandates these employers to submit annual reports detailing employee coverage under health care plans, types of coverage, total premiums, contributions to health savings accounts, and information on retirement plans and benefits. The Comptroller will also provide an annual summary and analysis of the collected data, which will be shared with relevant legislative committees. The effective date for the study provision is immediate upon passage, while the new reporting requirements will take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 3-123xxx
PD Joint Favorable Substitute: 3-123xxx
File No. 316: 3-123xxx
File No. 975: 3-123xxx