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The bill
authorizes a person participating in the State’s group health plan who
becomes eligible for coverage through the federal military health insurance
program to decline coverage in the state plan and reenroll in coverage at a
later date, including allowing the person to remain eligible for coverage
under the State’s group health plan as a retiree. Allowing an employee to
decline coverage and reenroll at a later date could result in savings to
state departments and agencies that employ these individuals as health
premiums would no longer need to be paid on behalf of the employee. Allowing
retired employees to become eligible for coverage under the state employee
health insurance program would add persons to the plan, which could increase
or decrease costs to the plan depending on the demographics and claim
histories of those who join. Typically, retirees are older than the average
plan participant and tend to be a higher draw on health care services, Any costs or savings would likely be
reflected through changes in premium amounts in future fiscal years. Given
the limited number of individuals expected to join the plan as a result of
this bill, any changes in premiums are expected to be minor. |