130th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 1036		LR 779(01)
	An Act To Allow a State Employee To Use a Federal Military Health Insurance Program and Reenroll upon Retirement in the State's Group Health Plan
	Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
	Sponsor: Sen. Black of Franklin
	Committee: Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
Minor impact - All Funds
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	The bill authorizes a person participating in the State’s group health plan who becomes eligible for coverage through the federal military health insurance program to decline coverage in the state plan and reenroll in coverage at a later date, including allowing the person to remain eligible for coverage under the State’s group health plan as a retiree. Allowing an employee to decline coverage and reenroll at a later date could result in savings to state departments and agencies that employ these individuals as health premiums would no longer need to be paid on behalf of the employee. Allowing retired employees to become eligible for coverage under the state employee health insurance program would add persons to the plan, which could increase or decrease costs to the plan depending on the demographics and claim histories of those who join. Typically, retirees are older than the average plan participant and tend to be a higher draw on health care services,  Any costs or savings would likely be reflected through changes in premium amounts in future fiscal years. Given the limited number of individuals expected to join the plan as a result of this bill, any changes in premiums are expected to be minor.