Authorizes and directs the Office of Group Benefits to study the interpretation that results in retired employees of school systems who are subsequently elected to their local school boards having to pay substantial increases in their group health insurance premiums and to report to the La. House of Representatives by Nov. 1, 2012
Impact
The resolution could significantly impact state laws related to group health insurance, particularly for retirees of educational institutions. By initiating a study, the resolution opens the possibility for legislative amendments that could alter how health insurance premiums are structured for these individuals. If the study finds the current interpretation to be problematic, it could lead to proposed changes that mitigate premium increases, making it more feasible for retired educators to serve on school boards without financial penalty.
Summary
House Resolution 169, sponsored by Representative Guillory, aims to authorize the Office of Group Benefits to study the implications of health insurance premium increases for retired school employees who are elected to local school boards. The need for this resolution arises from the interpretation of federal laws that classify these retired educators as 'full-time employees,' which shifts their health insurance coverage from Medicare as primary to the Office of Group Benefits, leading to higher premiums. The resolution seeks to encourage retired educators to participate in governance by addressing cost barriers associated with their health insurance.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HR169 appears to be supportive among members of the House, as indicated by the unanimous vote of 97 in favor with no opposition. This reflects a consensus on the importance of encouraging retired educators to seek election to school boards and the understanding that current premium structures create financial disincentives. The resolution also indicates a recognition of the contributions of educators to local governance and a commitment to ensuring their participation.
Contention
While the resolution passed without dissent, some debate may arise during the study on how to interpret Medicare regulations versus state benefits. There may be opposition from those who believe that any alteration in premium structures for local elected officials could set a precedent affecting broader health insurance policies within the state. Ensuring that any adjustments do not negatively impact the sustainability of the Office of Group Benefits may also be a point of contention as discussions move forward.
To provide for the cost share of certain insurance premiums for programs sponsored by the state's Office of Group Benefits (OR INCREASE SG EX See Note)
Provides for eligibility of New Orleans School Board retirees to participate, as a group, in insurance sponsored by the Office of Group Benefits. (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Directs Dept. of Insurance and Office of Group Benefits to study the feasibility of Federally Qualified Health Centers collectively providing group health insurance coverage to employees of those centers
Provides relative to the payment of health insurance premiums for certain retirees of the Hazardous Duty Services Plan in the Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System (EN INCREASE APV)
Authorizes a cost-of-living adjustment for certain retirees of the La. School Employees' Retirement System and their beneficiaries (EN +$12,000,000 APV)
Provides relative to the payment of health insurance premiums for certain retirees of the Hazardous Duty Services Plan in the La. State Employees' Retirement System
Provides relative to the payment of insurance premiums for certain retirees of the Hazardous Duty Services Plan in the La. State Employees' Retirement System (EN +$10,000 FC GF EX)
Authorizes and directs the state Office of Group Benefits to study and report to legislature regarding savings available from requiring eligible participants to enroll in Medicare and options for plan provisions that could return some of those savings to those participants (OR NO IMPACT See Note)