INSC. FOR DOMESTIC ASSAULT VICTIM - S.B. 76 (S-3): FLOOR ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 76 (Substitute S-3 as reported by the Committee of the Whole)

Sponsor: Senator Jon Cisky

Committee: Health Policy and Senior Citizens

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Nonprofit Health Care Corporation Reform Act to prohibit Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) from rating, canceling benefits on, refusing to provide benefits for, or refusing to issue or renew a certificate solely because a subscriber or applicant was or had been a victim of domestic violence.

The bill also specifies that BCBSM could not be held civilly liable for any cause of action that could result from compliance with the bill's provisions.

"Domestic violence" would mean "inflicting bodily injury, causing serious emotional injury or psychological trauma, or placing in fear of imminent physical harm by threat or force a person who resides or has resided with or who has a child in common with the person committing the violence".

The bill would apply to BCBSM certificates issued or renewed on or after 60 days following the bill's effective date.

MCL 550.1401 - Legislative Analyst: S. Margules

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no apparent fiscal impact on State or local government.

Date Completed: 5-6-97 - Fiscal Analyst: J. Walker

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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.