Signed by Governor Bev Perdue

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt a conference report that appropriates a total of $250 million for the 2008-2009 fiscal year to cover the current year shortfall in funds and outline other health proposals.

Highlights:

-Appropriates $132 million from the General Fund on behalf of the Reserve for the State Health Plan for the 2009-2010 fiscal year and $276 million for the 2010-2011 fiscal year (Sec. 1). -Draws $6 million from the Highway fund on behalf of Reserve for the State Health Plan for the 2009-2010 fiscal year and $12.8 million for the 2010-2011 fiscal year (Sec. 1). -Eliminates the PPO Plus option under the State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees. Effective July 1, 2009 (Sec. 2). -Mandates the implementation of a Comprehensive Wellness Initiative to include programs for smoking cessation and weight management (Sec. 2). -Outlines policies for co-payments and other allowable charges and coverage for prescription drugs (Sec. 2). -Increases premium rates for contributory coverage by 8.9 percent for fiscal year 2009-2010 and another 8.9 percent for fiscal year 2010-2011 (Sec. 2). -Plans to achieve the sum of $18 million in savings in pharmacy benefit costs for the 2009-2010 fiscal year and $20 million in savings for the 2010-2011 fiscal year (Sec. 2). -Provides coverage for the care and treatment of chemical dependency and mental illness (Sec. 5). -Establishes the State Health Plan Blue Ribbon Task Force and outlines the task force’s structure and scope of responsibilities (Sec. 7).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt a conference report that adjusts allocations to the State Health Plan, changes payment guidelines for users of the plan, and restructures plan options for users.

Highlights:

-Establishes mandatory enrollment programs for users of the Plan and their dependents who use tobacco or whose weight is above healthy height-weight ratios as determined by a physician (Sec. 2). -Adjusts co-payments for plan users on all prescription drugs, including generically and branded product (Sec. 2). -Creates a Blue Ribbon Task Force to continually evaluate and make recommendations on the State Health Plan for State Employees (Sec. 7).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that adjusts allocations to the State Health Plan, changes payment guidelines for users of the plan, and restructures plan options for users.

Highlights:

-Excludes certain types of medication from coverage by the Plan (Sec. 2). -Establishes mandatory enrollment programs for users of the Plan and their dependents who use tobacco or whose weight is above healthy height-weight ratios as determined by a physician (Sec. 2). -Adjusts co-payments for plan users on all prescription drugs, including generic and branded products (Sec. 2). -Creates a Blue Ribbon Task Force to continually evaluate and make recommendations on the State Health Plan for State Employees (Sec. 7).

Full Bill Text