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HF2020 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Group insurance program eligibility for spouses of retired state employees added.

Related bill: SF2668

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to expand eligibility for group insurance coverage to certain spouses of retired state employees. This expansion ensures that spouses have the opportunity to purchase healthcare coverage under specific conditions, providing more comprehensive support, particularly in instances involving retirement and disability.

Main Provisions

  • Eligibility for Coverage: The bill allows spouses of retired state employees to purchase hospital, medical, and dental insurance coverage if:

    • The spouse was a dependent under the retired employee's coverage at the time of the retiree's death.
    • The retired employee loses eligibility for coverage due to enrollment in medical assistance under chapter 256B and has a qualifying disability.

  • Coverage Conditions: Insurance coverage for retired employees and their dependents must be non-discriminatory regarding insurability or preexisting conditions, unless such conditions are equally applicable to active employees.

  • Coordination with Medicare: Coverage must be coordinated with Medicare benefits for retirees who have reached the age of 65.

  • Insurance Pooling: Retirees and their dependents under age 65 will be included in the same insurance group as active employees to determine premiums and coverage.

  • Notification Requirements: Retired employees must be informed of their option to exercise this insurance benefit upon retirement, and they must communicate their decision to exercise this option within 30 days after retirement.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.27 subdivision 3, to widen the insurance options for spouses of retired state employees, extending certain benefits previously not explicitly available. This includes aligning with federal insurance programs and ensuring fair treatment concerning insurance coverage conditions.

Relevant Terms

group insurance, retired state employees, spouses, healthcare coverage, Medicare coordination, disability eligibility, Supplemental Security Income, preexisting conditions, medical assistance.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 09, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toState Government Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Adds eligibility for spouses of retired employees who enroll in medical assistance with a qualifying disability."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill amends eligibility criteria for the group insurance program for spouses of retired state employees under section 43A.27.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "43A.27"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references age and service requirements for retirement eligibility as found in section 352.115.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "352.115"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Section 256B is referenced regarding medical assistance enrollment leading to loss of coverage.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "256B"
  }
]

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