Portions of House Bill - 1164 have been effective since September 1, 2003 which have allowed carriers to establish rates based on the following characteristics:

• Age
• Company geographic location
• Family Status (includes smoking status)
• Industry
• Claims experience

The following legislation has been incorporated over the past several months:

• 09/01/03: Carriers may medically underwrite and offer up to a 15% discount off of filed rates for new business and renewals.
• 09/01/04: Carriers may medically underwrite and offer an increase to filed rates for renewing groups.
• 09/30/04: Carriers may medically underwrite and offer up to a 25% decrease of filed rates for new business and renewing groups and up to a 10% increase for new business and renewals.

As a Carrier Business Associate under HIPAA, Smith & Company is authorized to collect employee health questionnaires. All information on the questionnaires is confidential and not for the use of anyone other than the specified insurance carrier.