Healthcare (Insurance · Consumer Protection)

HR 2079, the Insurance Fraud Accountability Act, targets fraud by insurance agents and brokers during enrollment in Affordable Care Act health plans. It imposes new civil penalties of $10,000-$50,000 for negligent provision of incorrect information and up to $200,000 for knowing fraud, plus criminal penalties of up to 10 years in prison for willful fraud. The bill requires a new verification process for agent/broker enrollments, including documentation of consent, delayed commission payments until enrollment issues are resolved, and consumer notifications about changes. These provisions directly affect agents, brokers, and marketing organizations involved in health plan enrollment through federal or state exchanges, aiming to prevent fraudulent enrollment practices.