191—71.1(513B) Purpose. This chapter is intended to implement the provisions of Iowa Code chapter 513B to provide for the guaranteed issue of all health insurance products in the small group market, regardless of their health status or claims experience; to regulate insurer rating practices and establish limits on differences in rates between health insurance coverages; to ensure renewability of coverage; to establish limitations on underwriting practices, eligibility requirements and the use of preexisting condition exclusions; to provide for development of “basic” and “standard” health insurance plans to be offered to all small employers; to provide for establishment of a reinsurance program; to direct the basis of market competition away from risk selection and toward the efficient management of health care; to improve the overall fairness and efficiency of the small group health insurance market and to promote broader spreading of risk in the small employer marketplace. Carriers that provide basic and standard health benefit plans, as herein set forth, to small employers are intended to be subject to all provisions of Iowa Code chapter 513B and this chapter.
	71.1(1) Health insurance coverage subject to this chapter is available or renewable with respect to all eligible employees or their dependents, at the option of the employer, except for reasons set forth in Iowa Code section 513B.5.
	71.1(2) A carrier subject to this chapter is required to guarantee issue small employer plans except for reasons set forth in Iowa Code chapter 513B.
[ARC 3682C, IAB 3/14/18, effective 4/18/18]