AMENDMENT(S) PROPOSED BY THE SENATE

COMMERCE AND LABOR

1. Line 71, engrossed, after cooperative.

insert

If a small employer health group cooperative opts to be deemed the policyholder under subdivision 1 a of subsection B of this section, the small employer health group cooperative agreement shall include provisions addressing the collection of funds from employer-members for the payment of all premiums due under the group health policy.  Such provisions shall specifically address all rights and obligations of each employer-member within the cooperative when one or more employer-members fails to remit its respective share of any premium due.  Such provisions shall also describe the circumstances under which the group health policy will lapse for nonpayment of premiums and shall identify the grace period requirements applicable to group accident and sickness insurance, pursuant to § 38.2-3527.  Nothing in this subsection nor in the small employer health group cooperative agreement shall preclude or operate to prevent enforcement by the issuer of the provisions of the group health policy addressing the payment of premiums and termination of the policy due to nonpayment of premium.