Health insurance

Legislative committees advanced several bills that restructure Arkansas’ health insurance program for state and public school employees Wednesday.

The House Rules Committee endorsed House Bill 1098 by Rep. Jim Dotson, R-Bentonville, and House Bill 1099 by Rep. Jeff Wardlaw, R-Hermitage, in a voice vote without any audible opposition.

HB 1098 requires a fiscal impact statement for any proposed legislation imposing a new or increased cost obligation for health benefit plans. HB1099 establishes a subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council to oversee the Employee Benefits Division.

The House Education Committee advanced House Bill 1097 by Rep. Brian Evans, R-Cabot, which increases the amount school districts contribute to the plan.

The House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs endorsed House Bill 1100 by Wardlaw, which establishes two advisory boards, the Public School Health Benefit Advisory Commission and the State Employee Health Benefit Advisory Commission.

The Senate Committee on Insurance and Commerce advanced Senate Bill 85 by Sen. Missy Irvin, R-Mountain View, Senate Bill 86 by Senate President Pro Tempore Jimmy Hickey, R-Texarkana, and Senate Bill 87 and Senate Bill 88, both by Sen. Terry Rice, R-Waldron.

SB85 requires five cumulative years of participation in the state’s health insurance plan while employees are working before they are eligible for retiree benefits.

SB86 sets up reserve balances and triggers for when to raise and lower premiums. SB87 replaces a cap on bariatric surgeries with new regulations. SB88 removes contribution caps.

The bills now head to the respective House and Senate floors for consideration.

Lawmakers approved resolutions allowing them to consider the non-appropriation bills during the fiscal session, which kicked off Monday, earlier this week.