GA HB969

Retirees receiving post-employment health benefits through the Georgia State Employees Post-employment Health Benefit Fund cannot be disqualified from those benefits solely because they serve as an elected member of a local board of education.

Local board of education members who are already retirees may opt out of the board's health insurance coverage by completing a consent form, allowing them to retain their existing state retiree health benefits without dual eligibility issues.

Local boards must designate members who opt out of coverage as "benefits ineligible" for purposes of federal regulations.

The Board of Community Health must develop and publish a consent form and promulgate implementing rules and regulations by July 1, 2026.

The act becomes effective upon the Governor's approval or upon becoming law without such approval.