North Dakota House Bill HB1411

North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Report Pass: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/25/23
• Report Pass: 2/9/23
• Engrossed: 2/14/23
• Refer: 2/15/23
• Report Pass: 3/8/23
• Enrolled: 3/13/23
• Passed: 3/17/23

Caption

Public employees retirement system health benefits coverage of prosthetic devices; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for application; and to declare an emergency.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1411 is expected to have a significant impact on the health insurance options available to public employees. By formalizing coverage for prosthetic devices, the bill seeks to improve the quality of benefits offered to employees, which could ultimately affect recruitment and retention within public sectors. The legislative intent emphasizes that any increase in premiums associated with this coverage should be absorbed by the health insurance reserve fund, suggesting a financial strategy to implement this benefit without overwhelming fiscal pressures on the public retirement system.

Summary

House Bill 1411 aims to enhance the health benefits coverage for prosthetic devices within the North Dakota public employees retirement system. The bill mandates that health insurance benefits include coverage for the repair or replacement of prosthetic limbs or sockets, provided that such actions are deemed medically appropriate. This provision signifies an important step in supporting public employees who require prosthetic devices, ensuring they receive necessary medical assistance through their retirement benefits program.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 1411 appears to be positive as it addresses the critical health needs of public employees and expands their insurance coverage. The bill presented a unanimous vote in the Senate, indicating widespread legislative support. Proponents argue that this law not only reflects compassion for employees' needs but also reinforces the integrity of the retirement benefits program by ensuring that those who suffer from limb loss receive necessary support.

Contention

While the bill garnered unanimous support, some points of contention may arise regarding its implementation, particularly around the determination of medical appropriateness for coverage of prosthetics. There may be discussions on how this definition is applied and who ultimately decides what constitutes medical necessity. Nonetheless, the emphasis on emergency enactment reflects urgency in addressing the needs of those requiring prosthetic devices.