AR SB182

Qualified retirees hired or elected after December 31, 2015, pay tiered premiums based on enrollment timing: standard rate for first 3 years, plus 5% for years 4-13, plus 10% for years 14-23, and plus 15% after year 23 of employment.

Retirees remain continuously enrolled if actively employed in an eligible position, and breaks in enrollment do not reset their status if they reapply within 31 days of returning to active employment.

Retirees who decline coverage initially but lose other employer group health plan coverage due to loss of eligibility may enroll in the program within 30-31 days and pay the appropriate premium based on their enrollment year.

Inactive retirees who elect to receive retirement benefits are reclassified as active retirees and charged the appropriate active retiree premium rate as determined by the board.

Traditional benefit-drawing retirees from Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System, Arkansas Teacher Retirement System, Arkansas State Highway Employees' Retirement System, and retired Arkansas National Guard contract employees pay the retiree premium amount determined by the board or policy cost.