HB 7101 Summary: State Group Insurance Program

• Amends Florida's state group insurance program to establish a defined contribution model beginning in the 2014 plan year, with state contributions actuarially equivalent to at least 90% of 2012 individual coverage benefits and 85% of 2012 family coverage benefits.

• Creates section 110.12303 requiring the Department of Management Services to competitively procure an independent benefits consultant that cannot be owned by or have financial interests in HMOs or insurers, with duties including program assessment, design evaluation, and development of a plan to transition to a defined contribution system.

• Deletes the Florida State Employee Wellness Council and transfers its responsibilities regarding health education and age-based/gender-based wellness benefit development to the independent benefits consultant.

• Requires HMOs participating in the program to submit health care utilization and cost data to the department as a condition of participation, with specific requirements for HMOs previously participating before January 2014.

• Maintains existing benefits including state group health insurance plans, HMO plans, TRICARE supplemental insurance, and dental coverage while allowing employees to use state contributions for flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, or salary increases based on plan selection.