A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to authorize the legislative research commission to study the feasibility and advisability of ESTABLISHing "COVER NC," A HEALTH CARE ACCESS PROGRAM FOR UNINSURED INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR DEPENDENTS; AND to study the feasibility and advisability of ESTABLISHing THE NC HEALTH INSURANCE MARKET CHOICES PROGRAM.
Whereas, a significant number of State residents are unable to obtain affordable health insurance coverage; and
Whereas, increasing access to affordable, quality health care can be best accomplished by establishing a competitive market for purchasing health insurance and health services; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.(a)  The Legislative Research Commission may study the feasibility and advisability of establishing a program to provide health care access to uninsured individuals and their families.  The program shall emphasize coverage for basic and preventive health care services; provide inpatient hospital, urgent, and emergency care services; and be offered statewide. In its study, the Commission may consider all of the following:
(1)	How the program would be administered.
(2)	Components of plans offered under the program, including portability of plans; cost containments; providing catastrophic coverage; and requiring a prescription drug benefit.
(3)	Eligibility requirements to enroll into a plan offered under the program.
(4)	Any other issues the Commission considers relevant to this topic.
SECTION 1.(b)  The Legislative Research Commission may study the feasibility and advisability of establishing a single, centralized market for the sale and purchase of various products that enable individuals to pay for health care. The program shall expand opportunities for North Carolinians to purchase affordable health insurance and health services; preserve the benefits of employment‑sponsored insurance while easing the administrative burden to employers; and enable consumer choice. In its study, the Commission may consider all of the following:
(1)	How the program would be administered.
(2)	Products that may be made available for purchase through the program.
(3)	Eligibility and participation components for employers, individuals, vendors, and health insurance agents.
(4)	Any other issues the Commission considers relevant to this topic.
SECTION 2.  The Legislative Research Commission may make an interim report to the 2009 General Assembly, Regular Session 2010, and shall make its final report to the 2011 General Assembly.
SECTION 3.  The Legislative Services Officer shall allocate funds appropriated to the General Assembly for the expenditures of the Legislative Services Commission in conducting this study.
SECTION 4.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2009.