FL S1434

Revises the state group insurance program to define "plan year" as a calendar year and allows employees whose state contribution exceeds their selected plan's premium cost to use the balance for flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, additional benefits, or salary increases beginning in 2019.

Requires health plans to be offered in four benefit levels (Platinum at 90% actuarial value, Gold at 80%, Silver at 70%, and Bronze at 60%) beginning with the 2019 plan year, with the Department of Management Services developing an implementation plan due January 1, 2018.

Authorizes the state group insurance program to include additional benefits from various entities including prepaid health organizations, discount medical plans, health clinics, and entities providing innovative health services beginning with the 2017 plan year.

Requires the department to contract with at least one entity providing comprehensive pricing for surgeries and medical procedures, and to establish a 3-year price transparency pilot project in 1-3 state areas offering enrollees 50% of savings when selecting providers below benchmark prices for designated procedures.

Requires the department to competitively procure an independent benefits consultant with expertise in large employer benefit programs to provide ongoing assessment of program trends and submit annual recommendations to the Governor and Legislature, with $151,216 in recurring funds and $507,546 in nonrecurring funds appropriated for implementation.