House Bill 1079 proposes significant amendments to the Florida Statutes concerning small employer health insurance, particularly focusing on the reinsurance program. The bill eliminates the Florida Small Employer Carrier Reinsurance Program, removing associated definitions and provisions, including terms like "Board" and "Program." It revises the purpose of the Employee Health Care Access Act to emphasize promoting health insurance coverage for small employers without establishing a reinsurance program. Additionally, the bill modifies the definitions related to small employer carriers and their participation in risk assumption or reinsurance, ensuring that remaining provisions align with this new framework.

Key changes include the removal of the methodology for establishing basic reinsurance premium rates and the board's authority to review these rates. The bill also eliminates the requirement for annual reporting of net losses and administrative expenses, as well as the stipulation for recouping net losses through assessments on carriers. Furthermore, it introduces a two-tier assessment system for operating losses, updates identification card requirements for health insurance policies, and clarifies definitions related to individual health reinsurance. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, aiming to streamline regulations and improve operational efficiency for small employer health insurance in Florida.

Statutes affected:
H 1079 Filed: 627.642, 627.6475, 627.657, 627.66997