Mississippi House Bill HB1694

Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/24
• Refer: 2/19/24
• Failed: 3/5/24

Caption

State and School Employees Life and Health Insurance Plan; revise to require state to provide 50% of cost of plan for certain dependents.

Impact

The proposed changes are set to affect the existing health insurance plan for state and school employees, potentially easing the financial burden on employees who have dependents. The bill maintains full health insurance coverage for active full-time employees employed prior to January 1, 2006, while also ensuring that newer employees receive a base level of health insurance. This could enhance recruitment and retention of qualified staff within state and educational institutions, but it poses a new financial obligation for the state to manage and fund.

Summary

House Bill 1694 aims to amend Section 25-15-15 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, focusing on the State and School Employees Life and Health Insurance Plan. The bill specifically revises the structure of health insurance coverage, stipulating that the state will cover fifty percent of the cost of health insurance for the eligible dependents of full-time employees. This revision is intended to provide better support for employees who are often required to shoulder significant portions of their health insurance costs, especially regarding dependent coverage.

Contention

There may be some contention regarding the implications of requiring the state to pay for a portion of dependent health insurance. Stakeholders could debate the sustainability of funding such provisions amid budget constraints and the potential impact on public sector employment costs. Furthermore, ensuring that the premium contributions remain manageable for employees, all while maintaining adequate coverage levels, could lead to discussions around the balancing of state obligations versus employee benefits.