This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to enhance the public employees insurance program by mandating participation from certain school employers and establishing a new "educator group insurance program." It introduces key definitions such as "educator group insurance program," "retired school employee," "school employee," and "school employer." The commissioner is tasked with administering both the public employee insurance program and the new educator group insurance program, which includes offering coverage options and managing participation requirements. School employers are required to submit necessary employee information to program administrators and ensure that all school employees transition to the educator group insurance program by January 1, 2028. The bill also establishes a labor management committee to address insurance program issues and mandates the provision of nonidentifiable aggregate claims data to the commissioner.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific health insurance contribution requirements for school employees, mandating that school districts contribute 85% of family premiums and 95% of single premiums for the highest value health plan available. If an employee chooses a high-deductible plan, the employer must contribute an equivalent amount towards that plan, with any excess allocated to the employee's health care savings account. The legislation allows for the continuation of employer-paid premiums post-employment and provides options for married employees regarding family and single plans. It also includes provisions for educator group insurance program aid for school districts facing additional premium costs due to the new requirements and prohibits the use of public resources for broker commissions related to health insurance benefits. Lastly, it repeals a previous requirement for the public employees insurance program to respond to school district proposals within a specified timeframe.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 43A.316
1st Engrossment: 43A.316