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.