WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2648

An Act amending Title 40 (Insurance) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in regulation of insurers and related persons generally, providing for health insurance alteration prohibitions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Anthony Bellmon and 18 co-sponsors

HB 2648 would prohibit certain alterations to health insurance plans and terms in Pennsylvania, promoting transparency and consumer protections.

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2648

Overview

HB 2648 (2025-2026 Session) from Pennsylvania would amend Title 40 (Insurance) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The bill is described as “in regulation of insurers and related persons generally, providing for health insurance alteration prohibitions.” It has a large sponsor roster, indicating broad legislative interest in its provisions.

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary aim appears to be prohibiting certain alterations to health insurance products and practices within the regulatory framework governing insurers and related entities.
  • The bill’s title suggests a focus on prohibitions related to health insurance alterations, potentially targeting changes that could affect coverage terms, pricing, benefits, or access to health insurance products.

Key Provisions (Proposed/Indicative)

  • The bill would amend existing provisions in Title 40 to address “alteration prohibitions” tied to health insurance. While the exact language is not provided here, typical elements in such amendments may include:

    • Restrictions on unilateral changes by insurers to policies, benefits, or covered services after issuance.
    • Requirements for advance notice, transparency, or justification for certain alterations.
    • Protections for consumers from retroactive or disruptive changes to health plan terms.
    • Standards for approvals or reviews of proposed alterations by the state insurance department or regulators.
    • Clarifications of permissible versus prohibited alterations for related persons (agents, brokers, service providers, or affiliated entities).

  • Potential incorporation of consumer protections, such as:

    • Notification timelines for policy or plan changes.
    • Limitations on rate changes tied to specific alterations.
    • Procedures for appealing or challenging prohibited alterations.

  • Administrative and enforcement mechanisms:

    • Roles for the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance (or equivalent agency) in reviewing proposed alterations.
    • Penalties, remedies, or corrective actions for violations.

  • Definitions:

    • Clarification of terms such as “alteration,” “health insurance,” “related persons,” and “insurers” within the context of Title 40.

Note: The exact text of the provisions is not provided in your brief, so the bullet points above reflect common elements in legislation addressing health insurance alterations. The final bill text would specify precise prohibitions, exceptions, and administrative processes.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Health insurers and related entities operating in Pennsylvania under Title 40.
  • Policyholders and enrollees in health insurance plans, including group and individual markets.
  • Health insurers’ agents, brokers, and other “related persons” involved in selling, administering, or servicing health coverage.
  • State regulators, primarily the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance, responsible for enforcing the provisions.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • As a 2025-2026 bill, any action would proceed through the Pennsylvania General Assembly, including committee consideration, potential amendments, and votes in both chambers.
  • If enacted, the provisions would take effect on dates specified within the final bill (effective date), which could range from immediate upon enactment to a phased implementation.
  • Possible regulatory or transitional periods might be included to allow insurers to adjust to new prohibitions, with enforcement starting after the effective date.

Potential Impacts and Implications

  • Consumer protections: Aimed at ensuring stability and transparency in health coverage terms and reducing disruptive changes to benefits or costs.
  • Market effects: May influence insurer product design, rate setting, and alteration practices; could affect administrative costs related to compliance and regulatory filings.
  • Access and affordability: By limiting certain alterations, the bill could help safeguard access to essential health benefits and prevent abrupt changes that could burden individuals and employers.
  • Regulatory clarity: Provides explicit prohibitions and standards, aiding enforcement and compliance for insurers and related entities.

Summary

HB 2648 seeks to strengthen protections around how health insurance plans and related entities can alter health coverage terms in Pennsylvania. By establishing prohibitions and clarifying regulatory expectations, the bill aims to promote transparency, predictability, and consumer protections in the health insurance market. The exact scope, definitions, exceptions, and enforcement details would be defined in the final bill text and any enacted amendments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.