By AP
LANSING, MI –
A new Michigan law that will place a 1 percent tax on health insurance claims faces a court challenge.
The Self-Insurance Institute of America Inc. filed a suit challenging the law Thursday in federal court. The suit says the Michigan assessment is pre-empted by federal law.
The suit seeks to block the assessment related to self-insured group health plans.
The Michigan assessment is scheduled to begin Jan. 1 to help fund Medicaid programs. It would be paid to the state by insurers or HMOs.
It's expected to raise about $400 million a year, helping the state draw roughly $800 million in federal funds for Medicaid.
The new law eliminates a 6 percent use tax on Medicaid managed care organizations.
A message was left seeking comment with Gov. Rick Snyder's administration.