Georgia-2009-HB989-Introduced

To amend Part 1 of Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the state employees' health insurance plan, so as to authorize the board to contract with various municipalities of this state for the inclusion of the employees within any health plans established under that part; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

Part 1 of Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the state employees' health insurance plan, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:

(a) The board is authorized to contract with the various municipalities of this state for the inclusion of the employees of any municipality within any health insurance plan or plans established under this part. The various municipalities of this state are authorized to contract with the board as provided in this Code section. The board is authorized to adopt regulations for entering into any contract. In the event that any such contract is entered into, it shall be the duty of any municipality so contracting to remit any funds that may be deducted from the earnings or other compensation of its employees for their inclusion in the health insurance plan. In addition, it shall be the duty of any municipality so contracting to make the employer contributions required for the operation of such plan or plans.

(b) Municipal officials may elect to be included in a health insurance plan, health maintenance organization, or other health benefits plan offered or provided by a municipality for its municipal officers or any health plan or plans established under this part. The governing authority of the municipality may elect by majority vote to provide for payment in a uniform manner of any portion, all, or none of the employer contributions for or required premiums or payment due from the municipal officials who under this Code section are eligible for inclusion in the health plans or plans established under this part. To the extent employer contributions are not fully made by a municipality, it shall be the duty of the covered officials to make such employer contributions required on their behalf for the operation of such plan or plans.

(c) In administering this Code section, it shall be the responsibility of the board to develop rates for coverage based upon actual claims experience of the individuals covered by this Code section. The board shall require a bond to assure the contractual performance of any entities with which it contracts under this Code section.

(d) Nothing in this Code section shall preclude the exercise of any options or rights otherwise available to such municipal employees under other state or federal laws which relate to extension or continuation of health benefits."