This bill proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.27, subdivision 3, regarding eligibility for state group insurance programs. It aims to extend eligibility for state-sponsored health insurance coverage to certain spouses of retired state employees.

Key Provisions:

1. Retired Employee Eligibility:

   • A retired employee of the state or a qualifying organization may elect to purchase health and dental coverage if they:
     • Are immediately eligible for a state-sponsored retirement benefit.
     • Meet the age and service requirements for retirement.
     • Have at least five years of service or meet the requirements of a collective bargaining agreement.
   • Alternatively, retired employees who are at least 50 years old and have at least 15 years of state service are also eligible.

2. Spousal Coverage:

   • The spouse of a retired employee who was covered by the retiree's insurance at the time of the retiree's death is eligible to continue purchasing coverage.
   • If a retired employee loses eligibility due to enrolling in Medicaid (Medical Assistance) because of a disability that qualifies under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, their spouse may also continue purchasing coverage.

3. Coordination with Medicare and Notification Requirements:

   • Health insurance benefits must be coordinated with Medicare.
   • Until a retired employee reaches 65, they and their dependents will be pooled with active employees for premium and coverage purposes.
   • Coverage may not discriminate based on pre-existing conditions unless similar restrictions apply to active employees.
   • Retiring employees must be notified of their right to opt into this coverage, and they must notify the commissioner within 30 days of retirement if they wish to enroll.

Summary:

The bill allows spouses of retired employees to continue purchasing group health insurance under specific conditions, including if the retiree has passed away or becomes eligible for Medicaid due to a disability. It ensures that coverage continues on equal terms for retirees and their spouses, aligning retiree benefits with active employee insurance policies and Medicare coordination.