Pending Health Insurance Legislation

To entice small businesses to offer health insurance, lawmakers on Monday passed a bill that would exempt health insurers from some state requirements.

The bill would exempt insurance companies from certain mandates, including coverage of diabetes equipment and supplies, such as insulin.

Lawmakers hope the bill would cut insurance costs to make it more affordable for small businesses. The provisions of HB2698 were approved on a 38-22 vote, after initially failing late last week. The bill still needs Senate approval and the governor's signature to become law.

A Senate panel approved a bill that adds a health-insurance mandate. HB2364 would require insurance firms that offer prescription coverage to include payment for up to 75 percent of a special amino-acid-based food that is used to treat people with severe food allergies. It is nearing a vote of the full Senate.