Commissioner Nickel Applauds Legislature on Passage of
SB 770, Wisconsin Health Care Stability Plan, with Bipartisan Support
Madison, WI—With bipartisan support, Wisconsin's state legislature passed Senate Bill 770 relating to creating a state based reinsurance plan; the Health Care Stability Plan. Senate Bill 770 permits the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) to seek a federal 1332 Waiver for State Innovation under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) allowing for the operation of a reinsurance program. A 1332 Waiver permits states to pursue innovative strategies to ensure residents have access to affordable health insurance options. The reinsurance program is estimated to lower rates in Wisconsin's individual market by 13 percent in 2019 and 12 percent in 2020. Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Ted Nickel today expressed his appreciation.
"I applaud the legislature for passing an essential component of Governor Walker's Health Care Stability Plan," said Commissioner Nickel. "This is an important milestone addressing federal interference created by the ACA, which disrupted Wisconsin's well-functioning individual market and left us with a system heading for disaster. We are confident in the Plan's ability to help stabilize Wisconsin's individual market. We look forward to continuing our efforts in identifying additional changes to help alleviate the market's fragility over the long term."
The Health Care Stability Plan will:
- Lower rates to keep consumers in the market and attract new entrants.
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A step towards financial relief for those not eligible for subsidies and a step toward a healthier risk pool
- Assist insurers in managing high risk enrollees and creating a broader pool of people to absorb all other risk.
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A step toward preventing more insurer exits and improving consumer access
- Retain federal subsidies for individuals with incomes between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
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A step toward ensuring those with access to affordable coverage due to federal subsidies can keep it
In the coming month, the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance will be issuing a public comment period and holding a series of public hearings, including a separate consultation with the tribal communities, for feedback on the 1332 Waiver proposal. Additional details are forthcoming.
Health Care Stability Plan – Additional Information Attached
OCI Testimony on SB 770
OCI 1332 Waiver FAQ
State Based Reinsurance Program: One Step Toward Market Stability
Wisconsin's Market for Individual Coverage and Preliminary Reinsurance Estimates – Preliminary Summary Report
Created by the Legislature in 1870, Wisconsin's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) was vested with broad powers to ensure the insurance industry responsibly and adequately met the insurance needs of Wisconsin citizens. Today, OCI's mission is to lead the way in informing and protecting the public and responding to its insurance needs.