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HB 6019

Insurance: health insurers; closure or removal of a health system considered a qualifying event for a special enrollment period; provide for. Amends 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.100 - 500.8302) by adding sec. 3406ww.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kelly Breen and 22 co-sponsors

HB 6019 lets a health system closure or removal from an insurer’s network qualify for a special enrollment period to obtain or modify health coverage.

bill electronically reproduced 05/21/2026
#insurance:healthbenefits #insurance:healthinsurers
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Bill Summary · HB 6019

Summary of HB 6019 (Michigan, 2025-2026) – Insurance: health insurers; qualifies for special enrollment when health system closure or removal occurs

Purpose and intent

HB 6019 would amend the Michigan Insurance Code (1956 PA 218) to ensure that the closure of a health system or its removal from an insurer’s network constitutes a qualifying event that triggers a special enrollment period for health insurance policies delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed in Michigan. The aim is to provide individuals and families affected by network disruptions with an opportunity to enroll in or modify health coverage outside of the standard open enrollment period, consistent with other qualifying events under federal and state rules.

Key provisions

  • New Section 3406ww added to the Insurance Code.
  • Qualifying event for special enrollment: The closure of a health system or the removal of a health system from an insurer’s network qualifies an affected individual for a special enrollment period.
  • Definition alignment with federal rules:
    • Health system: A entity or group of entities under common ownership, governance, or control that operates or manages one or more hospitals and may include related facilities (physician practices, outpatient facilities, long-term care facilities, laboratories, and other health-care-related operations).
    • Qualifying event: As described in 45 CFR 155.420 (federal standard for special enrollment events).
    • Special enrollment period: As described in 45 CFR 155.420 (federal standard for special enrollment events).

Who would be affected

  • Insurers in Michigan that deliver, issue for delivery, or renew health insurance policies in the state.
  • Policyholders and enrollees who experience the closure of a health system or its removal from an insurer’s network, enabling them to request a special enrollment period to obtain or adjust coverage outside the normal enrollment window.
  • The definition of “health system” is broad, potentially covering hospitals, affiliated practices, outpatient facilities, long-term care, labs, and related operations that are under common ownership or control.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • The bill creates the statutory basis for recognizing network closure/removal as a qualifying event, aligning Michigan law with federal guidelines under 45 CFR 155.420.
  • The effective date and any transitional provisions are not specified in the provided text; implementation would depend on passage and potential rulemaking or insurer policies to operationalize the special enrollment process.
  • The bill’s action history shows introduction and referral to the House Committee on Insurance in May 2026, with electronic reproduction in June 2026.

Practical impact

  • Individuals impacted by health system closures or removals from an insurer’s network would have a federal-style mechanism to enroll in or change coverage outside the standard enrollment period.
  • Insurers would need to recognize these events as qualifying events and process corresponding special enrollment periods in accordance with 45 CFR 155.420.
  • Could affect plan selections, premium costs, and coverage options for patients who lose access to in-network providers due to network changes.

Notes and considerations

  • The bill mirrors federal standards for special enrollment events, which helps ensure consistency for consumers navigating coverage due to network disruptions.
  • Details such as the duration of the special enrollment period, documentation requirements, and specific timing would likely be governed by 45 CFR 155.420 and insurer-issued policies once the bill is enacted.

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

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