Bill > S745

This bill proposes to limit out-of-pocket health expenses for active and retired employees, their dependents, and survivors of deceased employees who are enrolled in state health insurance plans. Specifically, the bill caps annual deductibles and copayments at $2,500 for individual coverage and $5,000 for family coverage. The legislation modifies existing laws to allow public authorities to adjust plan design features, but requires that these features do not exceed those offered by the commission's most popular plans. Additionally, the bill establishes that any excess premium payments made by the Commonwealth or employees will remain in a trust fund, which can be used to cover out-of-pocket costs beyond the new limitations or to reduce employee premium shares in case of a funding shortfall. This approach aims to provide more predictable and potentially lower healthcare costs for state employees and their families by establishing clear maximum out-of-pocket expense limits and creating a financial mechanism to support these coverage protections.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S745