This bill amends various sections of Alaska law to establish and regulate group insurance coverage and self-insurance for school district employees, employees of the University of Alaska, and other governmental units. Key provisions include the ability for regional school boards to establish and maintain participation in insurance policies, as authorized under AS 14.27.010. Additionally, school boards are required to determine the total compensation for employees, which includes contributions to insurance policies. The bill also introduces a new chapter specifically addressing health insurance for university and school district employees, detailing the responsibilities of participating employers regarding contributions and reimbursements related to insurance coverage.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the procedures for the Department of Administration to provide self-insurance and excess loss insurance for employees, including the requirement for actuarial analysis before approving participation from governmental units. It sets a cap on total expenditures from the public education fund for claims related to self-insurance at $100 million. The bill also mandates that any governmental unit with a self-funded insurance reserve must transfer its balance to the group health and life benefits fund upon enrolling in a state-administered health care plan. The effective date for most provisions is set for July 1, 2025, while certain sections take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
HB0029A, AM HB 29, introduced 01/10/2025: 14.08.101, 14.11.011, 14.11.020, 14.08.151, 18.56.855, 14.27.010, 14.14.090, 14.18.060, 47.17.020, 14.20.149, 14.20.680, 14.30.355, 14.30.356, 14.30.362, 14.33.100, 18.66.310, 47.17.022, 14.17.300, 39.30.095, 39.30.091, 39.30.090, 23.40.070, 23.40.260, 14.40.170, 14.25.168, 14.25.480, 22.25.090, 39.35.535, 39.35.880, 39.37.145, 23.15.136, 21.86.310, 14.25.110, 23.15.010, 23.15.210