Bill > SB5793

This bill addresses the state's financial challenges by making significant changes to public and school employee health benefit plans for the 2027-2029 fiscal biennium. The legislature recognizes the need to manage budget constraints while maintaining competitive employee benefits. Key provisions include eliminating the "smart health" program, which currently offers wellness incentives and an online health portal, for both public and school employees. As of January 1, 2028, employees will no longer be able to earn wellness incentives, though those who met eligibility requirements by December 31, 2027, will still receive their incentive in 2028. For the 2027-2029 fiscal biennium, the legislature will set the dollar amount for employee health care benefits directly in the omnibus operating appropriations act, effectively removing these negotiations from collective bargaining agreements. Bargaining agreements for this period are prohibited from including provisions related to employer health care contributions, wellness programs, flexible spending accounts, or other health care expense provisions. This approach aims to provide the state with financial flexibility while maintaining a commitment to offering competitive health care benefits for employees.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5793&Year=2025&Initiative=false