The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 223, aims to amend the existing Paraeducator Health Care Subsidy Program by updating eligibility criteria and subsidy provisions. The bill repeals Section 203 of public act 23-204 and replaces it with new language effective July 1, 2026. Key changes include the extension of the subsidy program to fiscal years ending June 30, 2027, and beyond, and the clarification that paraeducators must be employed in public schools, including charter schools, to qualify for the subsidy. The bill also specifies that paraeducators who open a health savings account or are eligible for Medicare and enroll in a high deductible health plan can receive a subsidy based on a percentage of their health plan deductible.

Additionally, the bill introduces a subsidy for local or regional boards of education that provide health coverage to paraeducators and their dependents. This subsidy will be capped at ten percent of the aggregate premium cost for health coverage, divided by the number of enrolled paraeducators, and is intended to offset the employee's share of premiums. The provisions also clarify that the subsidy does not apply to boards of education offering high deductible health plans. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the financial support available to paraeducators and ensure their access to health care benefits.