ATLANTA (March 11, 2012) –The State Senate passed two insurance bills sponsored by Senator Burt Jones (R-Jackson) on Thursday. Senate Bill 234 passed by a vote of 55-0 and would authorize the Insurance Commissioner to issue limited lines travel insurance producer licenses. Senate Bill 236 passed by a vote of 36-17 and mandates that a notice is provided when premiums increase due to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This was Sen. Jones’ first bills on the Senate floor, and as tradition he was given a hard time by colleagues while introducing the bill.
“These two bills attempt to simplify insurance for regulators, consumers and the industry as a whole,” said Sen. Jones. “SB 234 clarifies the travel insurance industry and travel agents and aligns Georgia with industry standards across the nation. SB 236 will provide transparency to consumers as well as inform them of premium cost changes due to the implementation of the ACA. I want to thank Chairman Golden for his hard work and assistance on these bills.”
Senate Bill 234 authorizes the Insurance Commissioner to issue an individual or business entity with a limited lines travel insurance producer license. This allows the producer to sell, solicit, or negotiate travel insurance. A travel retailer may offer travel insurance under a limited lines license only if the following conditions are met:
- The producer or retailer provides to purchasers of travel insurance:
- A description of the material terms or the actual material terms of the insurance coverage;
- A description of the process for filing a claim;
- A description of the review or cancellation process for the travel insurance policy; and
- The identity and contact information of the insurer and limited lines travel insurance producer
Senate Bill 236 simply states whenever a health insurer increases a premium; they must provide a notice explaining how much of the increase is attributable to the ACA. The bill was amended to include that the Commissioner of Community Health would also have to notify those on the State Health Benefit Plan with the increases.
SB 234 and SB 236 will now be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 11, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Emily Williams, Communications Associate
Emily.Williams@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028