Healthcare (Insurance)

SB 474 creates a regulatory framework for Kansas short-term health insurance plans, which are temporary policies lasting up to 364 days (max 36 months total) with an annual coverage limit of $2 million. It requires insurers to clearly disclose that these plans do not cover all essential health benefits mandated by the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), including pregnancy care and mental health services, and must provide written notice in bold 12-point type. The bill mandates that short-term plans cover emergency services, hospitalization, ambulatory care, and lab services, while requiring insurers to maintain provider networks meeting federal standards for access to care. Insurers cannot charge higher premiums based on health status, and the Kansas Insurance Commissioner gains authority to enforce these rules through adopted regulations.