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SF2668 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Group insurance program eligibility modification for certain spouses of retired state employees

Related bill: HF2020

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to expand the eligibility for participation in the state's group insurance program to certain spouses of retired state employees. This expansion aims to provide more comprehensive health insurance coverage options to spouses following the retirement or death of eligible state employees.

Main Provisions

  1. Eligibility for Retired Employees and Spouses:

    • Retired state employees who meet specific criteria can purchase individual and dependent hospital, medical, and dental coverage.
    • Eligible retired employees must meet certain age and service requirements or belong to a participating organization.

  2. Including Certain Spouses:

    • The spouse of a retired employee can purchase insurance if they were a dependent at the time of the retiree's death.
    • The spouse can also become eligible for coverage if the retired employee loses their coverage due to enrolling in medical assistance because of a qualifying disability.

  3. Coordination with Federal Programs:

    • Coverage will be coordinated with federal Medicare benefits.
    • Retired employees under 65 will be grouped with active employees for premium and coverage purposes.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill amends Minnesota Statutes by adding provisions allowing certain spouses of retired state employees to continue purchasing group insurance coverage, even if the retired employee loses eligibility or passes away, given specific conditions are met.

Relevant Terms

  • Group insurance program
  • Retired state employees
  • Dependent coverage
  • Medical assistance
  • Supplemental Security Income program
  • Medicare

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 16, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 16, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toState and Local Government

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Addition of eligibility for spouses of retired employees who were dependents at the time of the retiree's death or when the retiree enrolls in medical assistance with a qualifying disability."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends the eligibility criteria for enrollment in group insurance programs for certain retired state employees and their spouses under section 43A.27, subdivision 3.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the terms under which coverage must be coordinated with federally sponsored Medicare and conditions under which retirees can purchase coverage."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "43A.27",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Section 43A.18 establishes plans similar to those provided to active employees.",
      "modified": [
        "Mentioned as a reference for creating actuarially equivalent plans for retirees."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "43A.18",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Section 352.115, subdivision 1 sets out the age and service requirements for retirement benefits.",
      "modified": [
        "Referenced for defining eligibility based on age and service requirements for retired employees."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "352.115",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced in the context of retired employees losing eligibility for state coverage upon enrollment in medical assistance under Chapter 256B.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the conditions under which a retired employee's spouse may continue coverage if the retiree enrolls in medical assistance."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "256B",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

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