AR HB1337

Increases State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board membership from 15 to 17 voting members, including adding two retired state employees and two school administrators to the Benefits Subcommittee.

Requires quarterly reporting (instead of upon request) by the Director of the Employee Benefits Division and the board to the House and Senate Committees on Insurance and Commerce regarding the program.

Mandates legislative review and approval of significant plan changes beginning in the 2022 plan year, including new cost-containment measures, premium increases over 5%, and proposals to limit benefits or eligibility.

Increases the maximum monthly state contribution for state employee health benefits from $450 to $500 per budgeted position.

Declares an emergency and makes the act effective immediately upon approval by the Governor to improve financial stability and oversight of the health insurance program for state and public school employees.