This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to enhance the regulation of the public employees insurance program, particularly focusing on 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 bill outlines the responsibilities of the commissioner in managing both the public employee insurance program and the new educator group insurance program, which will include mandatory health insurance pools for school employees. A labor management committee is also created to address insurance-related issues, and all school employers are required to submit employee information for insurance coverage.

Additionally, the bill modifies participation rules, making participation by nonschool employers permanent and requiring school employers to provide timely employee information. It sets new provisions for premium payments, mandating that school districts contribute 85% of family premiums and 95% of single premiums for the highest value health plan. The bill allows for the continuation of employer-paid premiums after employment and establishes guidelines for contributions to health reimbursement arrangements or health savings accounts. It also introduces a new section outlining eligibility and aid calculations for school districts facing additional premium costs due to these requirements, while prohibiting 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 proposals from school districts within a specified timeframe.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 43A.316