1.  Pilot projects.  Beginning March 1, 2012, the superintendent may authorize pilot projects in accordance with this subsection that allow a health insurance carrier that offers health plans in this State to implement payment reform strategies with providers through an accountable care organization to reduce costs and improve the quality of patient care. For purposes of this section, "accountable care organization" means a group of health care providers operating under a payment agreement to provide health care services to a defined set of individuals with established benchmarks for the quality and cost of those health care services consistent with federal law and regulation.  

2.  Rulemaking.  The superintendent shall establish by rule procedures and policies that facilitate the implementation of a pilot project pursuant to this section, including, but not limited to, a process for a health insurance carrier's submitting a pilot project proposal and minimum requirements for approval of a pilot project. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A and must be adopted no later than December 1, 2011.  

3.  Report.  Beginning in 2013, the superintendent shall report by March 1st annually to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over insurance and financial services matters on the status of any pilot project approved by the superintendent pursuant to this section. The report must include an analysis of the cost and benefits of any approved pilot project in reducing health care costs, including any impact on premiums, and in improving the quality of care.  

4.  Evaluation.  During the First Regular Session of the 129th Legislature, the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over insurance and financial services matters shall conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of any pilot project approved by the superintendent pursuant to this section and make a determination whether to continue, amend or repeal the authorization for the pilot project. The joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over insurance and financial services matters may report out a bill based on the evaluation to the First Regular Session of the 129th Legislature.  

5.  Construction.  This section may not be construed to restrict or limit the right of a carrier to engage in activities expressly permitted by this Title or to require a carrier to obtain prior approval as a pilot project to engage in those activities.