Bill > SB2723

This bill establishes a new Retiree Health Insurance Contribution Plan for state-certified law enforcement employees and designated support personnel in Mississippi, aiming to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs and improve access by creating a special, enhanced tier within the existing State and School Employees' Health Insurance Plan. This enhanced plan will offer lower deductibles, reduced co-payments, lower out-of-pocket maximums, and better mental health and preventive care coverage, acknowledging the health impacts of long-term public safety service. The bill also outlines specific state contributions towards retiree health insurance premiums based on years of service for both law enforcement officers and support personnel, with higher percentages for those with more years of service. A dedicated State Public Safety Retiree Health Trust Fund is created to manage these benefits, coordinated with Medicare. Additionally, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety is authorized to make incremental employer contributions to this enhanced plan during active employment and can implement actuarially correct salary increases for public safety positions to help reduce employee turnover. The bill clarifies eligibility for these benefits, excluding municipal, county, sheriff's department, federal, and private contractor employees, and requires eligible employees to retire in good standing under the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and elect continued participation in the state health insurance plan. A disciplinary adjustment provision is included, allowing for a reduction in the state's contribution percentage for specific qualifying disciplinary actions, but not below zero. The bill also makes conforming amendments to existing Mississippi Code sections to incorporate these new provisions, defining the "Plan" to include this new retiree health insurance plan and authorizing the State and School Employees Health Insurance Management Board to implement the enhanced tier. This act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2723.xml