SB 5777-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     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.

     Provides that employers providing access to health insurance coverage under this act may adopt criteria which specify allowable enrollment periods, require enrollees to keep current addresses and information, and outline other processes to ensure that plans can be administered efficiently and effectively.

     Provides that, if the authority at any time determines that the participation of a county, municipal, or other political subdivision covered under this act adversely impacts insurance rates for state employees, the authority shall implement limitations on the participation of additional county, municipal, or other political subdivisions.

     Declares that this act takes effect January 1, 2003.  However, if a political subdivision is unable to structure a health plan to meet the requirements of this act by January 1, 2003, additional time of up to one year is allowed.  All political subdivisions must implement this act by January 1, 2004.