4901233 Resolution 20-469, “Better Prices, Better Quality, Better Choices for Health Coverage Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2014”

A RESOLUTION

                                                        

20-469  

 

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

 

May 6, 2014

 

 

To declare the existence of an emergency with respect to the need to amend the Health Benefit Exchange Authority Establishment Act of 2011 to promote meaningful choice, provide enhanced benefits, and build a competitive private insurance marketplace for the residents and small business owners of the District of Columbia.

 

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Better Prices, Better Quality, Better Choices for Health Coverage Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2014”.

 

Sec. 2. (a) In June 2013, the Council enacted the Better Prices, Better Quality, Better Choices for Health Coverage Emergency Amendment Act of 2013, effective June 19, 2013 (D.C. Act 20-87; 60 DCR 9542) (“emergency legislation”) and in July 2013, the Better Prices, Better Quality, Better Choices for Health Coverage Temporary Amendment Act of 2013, effective October 3, 2013 (D.C. Law 20-22; 60 DCR 10880)(“temporary legislation”), which amended the Health Benefit Exchange Authority Establishment Act of 2011 to provide additional detail regarding plans and participation in the exchange marketplace so that the final pieces of the District’s first Health Benefit Exchange can be timely implemented.      

(b) The temporary legislation will expire on May 16, 2014. The permanent legislation was passed by the Council on May 6, 2014 and has not yet been transmitted to the Mayor.

(c) It is important that the provisions of the emergency legislation continue in effect, without interruption, until the permanent becomes law. 

 

Sec. 3.  The Council of the District of Columbia determines that the circumstances enumerated in section 2 constitute emergency circumstances making it necessary that the Better Prices, Better Quality, Better Choices for Health Coverage Emergency Amendment Act 2014 be adopted after a single reading. 

 

Sec. 4.  This resolution shall take effect immediately.