Amend the bill by inserting after the title and before the enacting clause the following:
‘Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, coverage under the group life insurance coverage program administered by the Maine Public Employees Retirement System may be terminated for nonpayment of premium if premiums are not paid when due at the end of the month; and
Whereas, employees have no recourse to reinstate coverage following termination; and
Whereas, employees may not have received notice of cancellation during an unpaid leave of absence due to an accident or illness and family members learn of the termination of coverage only following the death of the employee; and
Whereas, this legislation would allow employees to designate a 3rd party to also receive a notice of cancellation prior to the termination of life insurance coverage to provide further protection to avoid termination of coverage; and
Whereas, immediate enactment of this legislation is needed to help preserve life insurance coverage for employees and their families; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,’
Amend the bill by striking out everything after the enacting clause and before the summary and inserting the following:
‘Sec. 1. 5 MRSA §18058, sub-§1, ¶D is enacted to read:
D. The employee may designate in writing the name and address of a 3rd party to whom notice must be provided as required in subsection 6.
Sec. 2. 5 MRSA §18058, sub-§6 is enacted to read:
Sec. 3. Notification to existing employees. On or before July 1, 2015, the Maine Public Employees Retirement System shall provide an opportunity to all employees currently insured under the group life insurance program provided in accordance with the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, chapter 423, subchapter 6 to designate in writing the name and address of a 3rd party to whom notice of cancellation must be mailed prior to the cancellation of insurance coverage for nonpayment of premium.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.’
summary
This amendment is the majority report of the committee. The amendment replaces the bill, which proposes to require individual life insurers to provide notice of termination of a life insurance policy by registered mail. The amendment requires the Maine Public Employees Retirement System to provide notice of cancellation of life insurance coverage administered by the Maine Public Employees Retirement System to an employee and any designated 3rd party. The notice must be by mail. The amendment also allows an employee covered by the Maine Public Employees Retirement System to designate a 3rd party to receive the cancellation notice. The amendment also adds an emergency preamble and clause.
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED
(See attached)