Sen. Jeremy Moss

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Services within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The office would manage state funds and grants, track violence trends, and provide technical assistance to local nonprofit organizations working to reduce shootings and homicides. It would also set statewide goals for violence reduction, publish best practices, and coordinate all related prevention efforts across the state. The legislation does not take effect unless a companion bill, SB 1016, is also passed.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 240 modifies the Michigan election law concerning township officers. The bill changes the start date for the terms of office for elected township officers. For officers elected after December 31, 2024, their terms will now commence at 12 noon on December 1 following their election, instead of November 20. It also updates language regarding the qualification process for these officers and clarifies procedures for filling vacancies.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 241 amends Michigan's home rule village act to change the start dates for terms of office for elected village officials. For officers elected after December 31, 2024, their terms will not begin earlier than 12 noon on December 1 following their election, even if a village's charter specifies an earlier date. This standardizes the commencement of terms for new village officers. Additionally, individuals elected to fill a vacancy cannot take the oath of office until the election results have been officially certified.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's insurance code to require health insurers to provide consumers with a plain English summary of their policies and detailed information upon request. The legislation mandates that these summaries clearly explain coverage benefits, costs, exceptions, and renewal terms, while also ensuring policies are printed in a readable font size without highlighting specific text. Additionally, the bill requires insurers to disclose provider network details, professional credentials, and financial arrangements when asked, and it sets specific deadlines for delivering this information to applicants and policyholders.

Maddy summarySB 978 repeals the requirement that health insurers in Michigan provide emergency refills of prescription medications for up to a 30-day supply. This change directly affects insurance companies and their policyholders by removing the obligation to cover such emergency supplies under specific circumstances. The bill eliminates Section 3406w of the state's insurance code, which previously mandated these emergency coverage provisions. Consequently, insurers will no longer be required to grant these specific emergency refill exceptions, leaving the existing formulary and exception processes in Sections 3406o as the primary framework for drug coverage.

Maddy summarySB 974 updates Michigan's insurance code to align with the state's health insurance exchange by clarifying definitions for roles such as navigators and certified application counselors. The bill establishes strict rules requiring these individuals to be state-certified before they can receive funding or assist consumers with health plan enrollment. It explicitly prohibits them from selling insurance or recommending specific plans, ensuring they provide only impartial information about available coverage options. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the state director implement a certification program including background checks and privacy training to protect consumer data.

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 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.