Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the eligibility definitions and plan funding of the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program.

Highlights:

• Defines “participant” as an individual or an individual’s “dependent” who is enrolled in a plan option offered under the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program and continues to be eligible for participation in the program (Sec. 8).

• Requires the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board to verify that a “dependent” is eligible for coverage under the program (Sec. 5).

• Defines “dependent” as a participant’s child or spouse who is eligible for coverage under the program, but does not include the following individuals, beginning in the 2015 plan year (Sec. 7):
• An individual who is legally separated or divorced from the participant; or
• An individual who is the participant’s spouse and is offered “essential” healthcare benefits coverage through a separate employer or employee funded benefit plan.

• Requires the board to discontinue or suspend a program plan option for diagnosis and treatment of morbid obesity if they determine adjustments are necessary to ensure “financial soundness” of the program (Sec. 10).  

• Prohibits the cost of coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of morbid obesity from exceeding the following amounts (Sec. 10):
• $3 million annually for the Arkansas State Employees Health Benefit Plan; or
• $3 million annually for the Arkansas Public School Employees Health Benefit Plan.

• Requires the board to implement a policy that uses funds the state saved on nontaxable insurance contributions to provide premium assistance (Sec. 5). 

Full Bill Text