The bill amends and reenacts sections of the North Dakota Century Code related to health insurance benefits coverage provided by the uniform group insurance program. Key changes include the definition of "Carrier," which now specifies that it includes entities providing hospital or medical benefits coverage, and the introduction of a "Nongrandfathered health plan" definition in accordance with federal law. The bill also revises the structure of the uniform group insurance program, emphasizing the inclusion of both active and retired employees, and outlines the premium structures for non-Medicare retirees. Additionally, it allows certain political subdivisions to join the program under specific conditions, including a minimum participation period and provisions for retirees.

Furthermore, the bill appropriates funds for a health insurance premium pool to assist state agencies with health insurance premium cost increases for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027. It expresses legislative intent for the public employees retirement system to utilize funds from the health insurance reserve fund to cover increases in health benefits premiums resulting from the bill's provisions. The effective date for the amendments is set for January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 54-52.1-01, 54-52.1-02, 54-52.1-03.1
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Davison: 54-52.1-01, 54-52.1-02, 54-52.1-03.1
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 54-52.1-01, 54-52.1-02, 54-52.1-03.1
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for House Appropriations Committee: 54-52.1-01, 54-52.1-02, 54-52.1-03.1
Enrollment: 54-52.1-01, 54-52.1-02, 54-52.1-03.1