HB 1799-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Declares an intent to provide retirees of local government employers access to health care benefits.

     Declares an intent of this act that local government employers be allowed the flexibility to design programs to meet the health care needs of their retirees and that the local government employer be able to recover all costs associated with providing retirees access to health benefits.

     Requires the joint legislative audit and review committee to report on the impact of this act on local governments, and evaluate this act's effectiveness in providing access to affordable, quality health care coverage to local government retirees.  The report shall be submitted to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2008.

     Takes effect January 1, 2002.  However, if a political subdivision is unable to structure a health plan to meet the requirements of this act by January 1, 2002, additional time of up to one year is allowed.

     Requires all political subdivisions to implement this act by January 1, 2003.