Georgia insurance commissioner schedules public hearing on regulatory rule changes

The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner has announced proposed changes to its rules and regulations. The amendments cover a range of topics, including agency licensure, navigator certification, definitions related to health plans, enrollment periods, and consumer eligibility.

One of the proposed changes would amend Rule 120-2-3-.05 concerning the licensure of agencies. This amendment aims to remove requirements for branch offices following the passage of House Bill 410 in 2025. Another change involves Rule 120-2-3-.48, which relates to Navigator and Georgia Access Specialist certification. The new rule would shift certification responsibilities to the Georgia Access Division and eliminate Sircon from the registration process.

Additional amendments include updates to definitions under Rule 120-2-112-.03, clarifying terms such as APTC (Advance Premium Tax Credit), Catastrophic Health Plans, Dependents, Full Time Employees, Special Enrollment Periods, and Triggering Events. There is also a proposal to clarify that Rule 120-2-112-.04 applies specifically to Qualified Health Plans (QHP) and Stand-Alone Dental Plans (SADPs).

Rule 120-2-112-.06 would be amended so that special enrollment periods align with federal standards set by 45 C.F.R. § 155.420. New rules are also being introduced: Rule 120-2-112-.09 would establish provisions for the Small Business Health Options Program; Rule 120-2-112-.10 would address requirements for consumer applications and automatic plan renewals; and Rule 120-2-112-.11 would specify eligibility requirements for qualifying health plans and financial assistance.

Further proposals include procedures for appealing eligibility determinations (Rule 120-2-112-.12) in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 33-2-17, as well as guidelines on issuer termination of coverage for QHPs and SADPs.

Interested parties can review these proposals at the Administrative Procedure Division office located at Two Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Atlanta. Written comments must be submitted by September 3rd, while oral comments will be accepted during a public hearing scheduled for September 10th at the same location.

"Based upon full consideration of all written and oral comments regarding the above matters, the Commissioner of Insurance may reject or adopt the proposed rules or may make changes to the proposed rules which may require another rulemaking hearing," according to information from the Office of Commissioner of Insurance.

Those needing assistance due to physical impairment or who have questions about this notice are encouraged to contact Jeremy Betts at the Administrative Procedure Division.