Title
Resolution Relating to Renewal of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Exemption.
Body
WHEREAS, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA"), enacted on August 21, 1996, established far reaching federal law requirements to improve the availability and portability of health coverage; and,
WHEREAS, under the authority of Section 2721(b)(2) of the Public Health Service Act and 45 CFR 146.80 of Federal regulations, the plan sponsor of a self-funded, non-federal governmental plan may elect to exempt the plan from various HIPAA requirements; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to the HIPAA regulations referenced above, the City of West Allis (the "City") may, at this time, renew its election to be exempted from the following six requirements: 1) limitations on preexisting condition exclusion periods, 2) special enrollment periods, 3) prohibitions against discrimination against individual participants and beneficiaries based on health status, 4) standards relating to benefits for mothers and newborns, 5) parity in the application of certain limits to mental health benefits, and 6) required coverage for reconstructive surgery following mastectomies; and,
WHEREAS, such exemption will avoid the need to modify the present health insurance plan and may avoid potential significant increases in benefit costs and is, therefore, in the best interest of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of West Allis that the City hereby exercises its discretion to renew its election to be exempted from the following six HIPAA requirements: 1) limitations on preexisting condition exclusion periods, 2) special enrollment periods, 3) prohibitions against discrimination against individual participants and beneficiaries based on health status, 4) standards relating to benefits for mothers and newborns, 5) parity in the application of certain limits to mental health benefits, and 6) required coverage for r...
Click here for full text