Senate Bill 1096 proposes significant changes to health care coverage options in Wisconsin, allowing private individuals, families, and private employers to enroll in health care plans offered by the Group Insurance Board (GIB) under certain conditions. Specifically, individuals not otherwise eligible for group health insurance can elect coverage if they pay the full premium costs. Similarly, private employers, including nonprofits and unions, can opt to provide their employees with access to these state employee health care plans, also contingent on full premium payment. The bill introduces new provisions for health savings accounts (HSAs) for both individuals and employees of private employers who select high-deductible health plans.

The bill includes several amendments and new sections to existing statutes, such as creating accounts for managing funds related to HSAs for both state employees and private individuals. It also establishes the requirement for individuals and private employers to sign agreements for coverage, with penalties for early termination. Notably, the bill renumbers and amends existing sections, including provisions related to the establishment and operation of HSAs, and clarifies the role of the GIB in administering these changes. Overall, the legislation aims to expand health care coverage options while ensuring that costs are fully borne by those opting into the plans.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 20.515(1)(tm), 20.515, 40.03(6)(k), 40.03, 40.04(12), 40.04, 40.51(1), 40.51, 40.515(1), 40.515