Further Amendment #1130.1 to H4200

1130 further

Mr. Michlewitz of Boston Mr. Michlewitz of Boston moves to further amend amendment 1130 by striking out the amendment in its entirety and inserting in place thereof the following:-

Mr. Michlewitz of Boston moves to amend the bill by inserting after section 36 the following section

SECTION 36A. There shall be established a working group on gender equity in disability policies.  The group shall consist of the following 9 members of their designees: the commissioner of insurance, who shall serve as chair, the undersecretary of consumer affairs; the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on financial services, the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities, the attorney general, and 2 persons appointed by the Governor:  1 person representing the insurance industry and 1 person from the Commission on the Status of Women.

Not later than 30 days after the passage of this act, the working group shall convene to study the costs and benefits of prohibiting insurance companies in the commonwealth from making any distinctions in disability policy payments, premiums or rate charges, or any other terms or conditions of any group or individual disability, accident or sickness insurance contract based on a person’s race, color, religion, sex, marital status, or national origin.  The working group shall submit their findings, along with any legislative recommendations to the clerks of the house of representatives and senate on or before December 31, 2016.  The division of insurance shall provide any resources and assistance necessary in developing the cost-benefit analysis of the working group.