MississippiSB 27042026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Association Self-Funded Health Benefit Plan Act; enact.

Sponsored By: J. Walter Michel (Republican)

Signed by Governor

InsuranceAccountability, Efficiency, Transparency

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

New rules for association health plans

Beginning October 1, 2026, professional or trade associations can offer self-funded group health coverage if they meet strict rules. The plan and the Mississippi association must each exist in good faith for at least three years, be nonprofit, use sound actuarial rates and reserves, and not market to the public. If a plan shows it is regulated by another state or the federal government, Mississippi does not regulate its hospital, surgical, or medical benefits. Exempt plans must certify each year by February 15 that they still qualify. Fully insured association plans and ERISA‑exempt plans are not covered. The Insurance Commissioner may issue rules to run this program.

Safety checks and advisors for association plans

Beginning October 1, 2026, Mississippi courts can enforce a federal order that stops a financially unsafe association plan from operating. Associations may also hire Mississippi‑licensed health insurance producers to help review and consider group plan options.

Who can join association plans

Beginning October 1, 2026, employees whose employer joins the association and self‑employed members can get coverage. Dependents may be covered if the plan allows it.

New admin costs for association plans

Beginning October 1, 2026, plans pay new administrative costs. When a plan asks for an exemption review, the Commissioner can hire experts and the plan pays the reasonable cost. A plan must name the Commissioner to receive legal papers and pay a filing fee set by the Commissioner. Any third‑party administrator for these plans must hold a Mississippi TPA license.

Required warnings for association plans

Beginning October 1, 2026, buyers and participants must get clear written notices. You are told the plan is not regulated by the Mississippi Insurance Department. You are told the plan is not protected by the Mississippi Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association. You are told the plan’s costs and benefits are not set by Mississippi regulators.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

J. Walter Michel
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Jason T Barrett
Republican • Senate
Bradford Blackmon
Democratic • Senate
Jeremy England
Republican • Senate
Rod Hickman
Democratic • Senate
Hopson
Affiliation unavailable
Benjamin Suber
Republican • Senate
Turner-Ford
Affiliation unavailable
Brice Wiggins
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 173 • No: 0

House vote • 3/4/2026

Passed

Yes: 121 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/10/2026