2003 House Bill 5314

Introduced in the House

Nov. 13, 2003

Introduced by Rep. Larry Julian (R-85)

To establish that the mandatory personal injury protection component of auto insurance is considered “secondary” to any other health care insurance available to the injured party. However, the bill would not prohibit "primary" personal injury protection policies, which a person could voluntarily choose (presumably at a higher price). Under current law, the mandatory personal injury protection insurance is considered "primary," which means that it is the first to pay the accident-related health care expenses of a person who also has health insurance. Auto insurance is often discounted for those who have other health insurance which “coordinates” coverage, thereby limiting the auto insurer's exposure to risk. However there is no mechanism to notify auto insurers should a person lose their other health care insurance. The bill would also allow insurers to offer personal injury protection policy deductibles at amounts specified in the policy (current law sets the maximum deductible at $300), and would allow discounts for those who choose preferred provider, managed care and other health care options designed to reduce costs. The bill is part of a legislative package comprised of House Bills 5314 to 5316. See also 5317.

Referred to the Committee on Insurance and Financial Services