HB0817 Summary

• Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971 to modify the definition of "dependent" to include children from the time of placement for adoption until entry of an order of adoption.

• Changes terminology from "filing of a petition" for adoption to "placement" for adoption to expand coverage for adopted children during the adoption process.

• Adds definition of "placement for adoption" as the assumption and retention by a member of legal obligation for total or partial support of a child in anticipation of adoption, terminating upon termination of such legal obligation.

• Extends group health insurance benefits eligibility to include children in placement for adoption, providing coverage during the period between placement and finalization of adoption.