SACRAMENTO, CA (May 8, 2014) – SB 1446, a measure authored by Sen. DeSaulnier, passed the Senate Health Committee on Wednesday, May 7 after a 9-0 vote. The bill would permit small businesses that renewed a pre-Affordable Care Act healthcare policy to continue to renew that health coverage until October 1, 2016, and allow the plans to remain in effect until September 30, 2017.
President Obama declared in March that states would have the authority to allow small businesses to renew a pre-Affordable Care Act health policy through 2016 and allow the plans to last until the fall of 2017. This measure would amend current law to reflect the President’s sentiments.
IIABCal supports aiding small employers with the transition to more extensive coverage that often bears higher costs. This important bill will preserve jobs on the brink of elimination and help both employees and employers across the state.
SB 1446 was sponsored by the California Department of Insurance and supported by the California Chamber of Commerce, the California Small Business Association, and professionals in the health industry. Opposition was limited to the Consumers Union, Health Access, and the Small Business Majority.
The measure will need to pass the Appropriations Committee before it can be heard on the Senate Floor.
