Sen. Erika Geiss

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state insurance director to work with the Michigan health insurance exchange to officially certify qualified health and dental plans. It requires the director to create specific rules for this certification process while maintaining the authority to regulate insurance businesses and exempt these plans from certain laws. The legislation defines qualified plans using existing terms from the Michigan health insurance exchange act and includes a provision that it only takes effect if a related companion bill is also passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Michigan's department of insurance to request federal permission to create a state-run reinsurance program that helps stabilize health insurance markets. If approved, the program would allow insurers to recover some costs for high-risk patients, potentially lowering premiums and expanding coverage options. The legislation requires the department to share draft plans with the public and lawmakers before submitting a final application to the federal government. Implementation of the program depends on the successful approval of a companion bill, SB 0973, which must also be enacted for this measure to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new nonprofit corporation to operate Michigan's state-based health insurance exchange, which will serve as a marketplace for consumers and small businesses to purchase qualified health plans. The legislation creates a 12-member board to govern the exchange, with members appointed from the insurance industry, consumer advocates, and public officials to oversee its operations. Key provisions include setting up rules for conflict of interest, defining roles for state agencies, and enabling a system for direct enrollment assistance to help consumers navigate the marketplace.

Maddy summarySB 328 requires auto insurers in Michigan to reduce premiums by 10% for new policies or the first renewal after the law takes effect. This applies to all policies issued or renewed under the specified conditions, directly affecting policyholders and insurers. The bill explicitly prohibits insurers from lowering coverage options to offset this premium reduction. It mandates concrete changes to insurance pricing without altering policy terms or coverage requirements.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 245 proposes changes to Michigan's insurance code, primarily affecting how insurers process and pay claims to insureds, beneficiaries, and third-party claimants. The bill expands the definition of unfair or deceptive insurance practices to explicitly include conduct that occurs during claims handling and resolution. It requires insurers to pay benefits on a timely basis or pay 12% interest, otherwise considering it an unfair trade practice unless the claim is reasonably in dispute. Additionally, for benefits not paid timely, the insurer would be liable for the full amount of the loss, irrespective of policy coverage limits.

Maddy summarySB 725 requires Michigan's medical assistance program to cover donor human milk for infants under specific conditions. It affects parents who rely on medical assistance and have infants who either: (1) cannot receive their parent's milk due to inability to produce it (temporarily or permanently), or (2) were born prematurely (before 34 weeks) or with low birth weight (under 1,800 grams). A doctor's prescription is required, and coverage lasts up to two years after birth or hospital discharge. This policy change expands access to donor human milk as a medical necessity for vulnerable infants under the state's healthcare program.

Maddy summarySB 724 regulates human milk banks, hospitals, and for-profit milk companies to ensure safety in breast milk distribution. It requires all entities to follow national health standards (like those from FDA and HMBANA), screen donors for health risks (except for personal use), and prohibits providing raw or "adulterated" milk (improperly processed or contaminated). Violations can result in civil fines up to $5,000 for minor issues or felony charges with fines up to $15,000 and imprisonment for severe harm or death. The law specifically distinguishes non-profit milk banks (which cannot profit) from for-profit companies that may pay donors but must still meet strict safety rules.

Maddy summarySB 726 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to specifically address crimes involving the provision of adulterated or raw human milk for human consumption. It directly affects individuals or businesses distributing human milk (e.g., milk banks, sellers) who violate safety standards. The bill modifies existing sentencing guidelines (MCL 777.12m) to establish clearer penalties for these specific offenses, ensuring consistent judicial handling of such cases under criminal procedure law. The change focuses on defining the legal consequences for unsafe human milk distribution without altering broader public health regulations.

Maddy summarySB 451 prohibits consumer reporting agencies in Michigan from including medical debt in credit reports, protecting residents from negative credit impacts due to unpaid medical bills. The law requires collection agencies to disclose this restriction in writing to consumers and forbids them from claiming medical debt will appear on credit reports unless the debt relates to a mortgage exceeding the federal conforming loan limit ($766,550 for 2024). It directly affects consumers who receive medical care but have unpaid bills, as their credit scores will no longer be harmed by such debt. The law also provides legal remedies, including damages and attorney fees, for violations.

Maddy summarySB 450 amends Michigan law to require public hospital boards to follow the Hospital Financial Assistance Act when setting patient payment policies for non-charity care. It directly affects county public hospitals by making their financial assistance policies subject to existing state standards under the Hospital Financial Assistance Act. The bill updates Section 17 of the 1913 Public Act 350 to clarify that hospital trustees' authority over patient fees is governed by this act, ensuring consistent financial assistance rules across public hospitals.