South Carolina § 38-71-1355 - Health group cooperative; powers and duties.

§ 38-71-1355. Health group cooperative; powers and duties.

(1) shall arrange for group health insurance plan coverage for small employers who are members of the cooperative by contracting with small employer insurers who meet the criteria established by this chapter for coverage under group health insurance plans;

(2) shall collect premiums to cover the cost of:

(a) group health insurance plan coverage purchased through the cooperative; and

(b) the cooperative's administrative expenses;

(3) may contract with agents to market coverage issued through the cooperative;

(4) shall establish administrative and accounting procedures for the operation of the cooperative;

(5) shall establish procedures under which an applicant for or participant in coverage issued through the cooperative may have a grievance reviewed by an impartial person;

(6) may contract with a small employer insurer or third-party administrator to provide administrative services to the cooperative;

(7) shall contract with small employer insurers for the provision of services to small employers covered through the cooperative;

(8) shall develop and implement a plan to maintain public awareness of the cooperative and publicize the eligibility requirements and the procedures for enrollment in coverage through the cooperative;

(9) may negotiate the premiums paid by its members; and

(10) may offer other ancillary products and services to its members as are customarily offered in conjunction with group health insurance plans.

HISTORY: 2008 Act No. 180, SECTION 1, eff February 19, 2008.