Bill > H5009

This bill modifies the State Group Insurance Program in Florida by authorizing the inclusion of high-deductible health plans, which are insurance plans with a higher deductible (the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage begins) than traditional plans. For state employees hired on or after July 1, 2015, participation in a high-deductible plan will be mandatory. The bill also revises the state's monthly contribution to health savings accounts, which are tax-advantaged savings accounts used in conjunction with high-deductible health plans. Specifically, for the 2015-2016 fiscal year, the state will no longer make monthly contributions to the health savings accounts of employees hired after July 1, 2015, but will continue to contribute for employees who were already participating in such plans before that date, with the amounts for individual and family coverage specified. For subsequent fiscal years, the state's contribution to these accounts will be determined annually. The bill also includes a provision that states it will take effect on July 1, 2015, unless similar legislation is passed in the same legislative session, in which case this bill will not take effect.