HI SB279

Establishes that the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF) shall consist of contributions received from the Employees' Retirement System (ERS) board of trustees representing the difference between state/county monthly contributions and actual health benefits costs.

Requires the ERS board of trustees to ensure the Employees' Retirement System is not subject to federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act regulations as a result of receiving copayment billing information from the EUTF.

Mandates that retiree and beneficiary contributions to the EUTF be paid through withholding of retirement benefit amounts from the ERS, with the amounts based on copayment billing information provided by the EUTF.

Requires the EUTF to authorize automatic electronic payment options as an alternative to withholdings beginning after January 1, 2018, and directs the EUTF board to report to the legislature by January 15, 2018 on the status of automatic electronic deductions.

Effective date is July 1, 2017.