Bill
SD 165
Overview: Bill Number: SD 165, Title: An Act relative to small group eligibility, Status: Proposed bill, Introduced: November 29, 2025Purpose and Intent: The primary objective of t
Overview: Bill Number: SD 165, Title: An Act relative to small group eligibility, Status: Proposed bill, Introduced: November 29, 2025
Purpose and Intent: The primary objective of this bill is to expand access to small group health insurance plans by modifying the eligibility criteria. Small group plans often provide more affordable coverage options for small businesses, sole proprietors, and other groups, but current enrollment thresholds can be restrictive.
Key Provisions:
- Increases the maximum number of employees eligible for small group coverage from 50 to 100
- Allows sole proprietors and other self-employed individuals to enroll in small group plans
- Prohibits insurance carriers from denying small group coverage based solely on the health status or claims history of the group
- Requires small group plans to offer the same essential health benefits as individual and larger group plans
Affected Parties and Impacts: This bill would primarily benefit small businesses, sole proprietors, and other groups that have historically faced challenges accessing affordable health insurance. Expanding the small group market could also have positive impacts on the broader individual and employer-sponsored insurance markets.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The bill has been recently introduced and referred to the Joint Committee on Financial Services. If reported favorably, it would then proceed through the normal legislative process, including public hearings, floor votes in both chambers, and potential reconciliation between House and Senate versions.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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