Number: RS22476
Title: Standardizing State Health Insurance Regulation
Authors: Jean Hearne and Bernadette Fernandez, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: H.R. 4460, the Health Care Choice Act, is intended to "harmonize" the state insurance laws that multi-state insurance carriers and other providers of individual health coverage would be subject to. By harmonizing insurance laws across state lines, the bill's supporters anticipate an increase in the number of health plan choices and a reduction of the cost of plans. Opponents raise concerns that the consequences of reducing states' regulatory authority over insurance products in each state could include a loss of important patient protections and complicate the enforcement of rules designed to protect consumer interests.
Pages: 6
Date: March 17, 2008