SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 85
(By Senators Prezioso, Kessler and McCabe)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study
small groups with one employee to determine cost and
requirements for insurance coverage.
Whereas, The self-employed and employers with one employee are
having trouble obtaining health insurance at affordable prices; and
Whereas, The self-employed and employers with one employee are
not eligible to obtain coverage through the Affordable Group
Insurance Act, West Virginia Code §33-16F-1, et. seq.; and
Whereas, Federal and state regulations make it difficult for
the self-employed and employers with one employee to obtain
coverage under group plans; and
Whereas, The Legislature recognizes the fragile nature of the
small business market and does not want to take any action that
would adversely affect the small employee groups; and
Whereas, The Affordable Group Insurance Act currently provides
health insurance coverage at a reduced rate for small employees
that do not have coverage; and
Whereas, The small business health plan currently is available
only to employers with between two and fifty employees; therefore,
be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study small groups with one employee to determine cost
and requirements for insurance coverage the requirements regarding
small groups; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance should review the Affordable Group Insurance Act and
consult with the current administrator to determine the costs of
amending the plan to allow a sole proprietor or employer with one
employee to participate in the plan; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance should consider implementing a pilot program in the
Affordable Group Insurance Act to determine the impact on the
market from adding the self-employed and employers with one
employee and the impact on costs; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2009, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and draft necessary legislation be paid
from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.