Thursday, May 10, 2007

Senate backs health care coverage for former state employees

The Louisiana Senate endorsed legislation Wednesday aimed at giving state employees, access to health insurance after they leave state service according to this story from the Advocate

The Senate voted 25-11 for a bill that would give state employees and officials who have at least 10 years of government service the option to buy insurance through State Group Benefits.

The proposal, contained in Senate Bill 56, would require the former employees, legislators or other state government officials to pay 100 percent of the premium cost.

Sen. Robert Barham, R-Oak Ridge, said lack of access to insurance is a growing problem.

Barham said those taking advantage of the program would be carved out for risk-rating so other policyholders would not be affected. “The premiums would be based on their cost,” he said.

The bill now moves to the House for debate.