Bill > S1537

This bill aims to reform the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) in Massachusetts. The key provisions include: 1. Expanding the membership of the GIC to 15 members, including the Commissioners of Administration and Finance and Insurance, as well as representatives from various state employee unions, the Retired State, County, & Municipal Employees Association of Massachusetts, and individuals with expertise in health economics, health care delivery, health care administration, employee benefits administration, and health insurance plans. 2. Establishing requirements for the GIC to provide detailed information to members at least 14 days before any vote on substantial changes to insurance coverage or health plans, and holding at least 4 public hearings across the state prior to such votes. 3. Directing the GIC to consult with various stakeholders, including the Secretary of Administration and Finance, the Attorney General, and the Commissioner of Insurance, to review and evaluate the impact of procurement laws, public records laws, and regulations on the commission's deliberative process, and to provide recommendations for any necessary updates or statutory changes. 4. Requiring the Governor to appoint specific types of expertise to the GIC as existing members' terms expire, such as experience in behavioral health care delivery, health care administration, employee benefits administration, and health insurance plans. The overall goal of the bill is to increase transparency, stakeholder engagement, and expertise within the GIC to ensure it makes informed decisions on the health insurance coverage and plans offered to state employees and retirees.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S1537