MS HB978

Expands the definition of "employee" to include active county and municipal employees and elected officials for participation in the State and School Employees Health Insurance Plan's health insurance program (but excludes them from the life insurance program).

Specifies that the state shall not share in the cost of health insurance for county and municipal employees, including elected officials.

Requires counties and municipalities employing such persons to contribute to the state an amount equal to what they would pay for coverage under existing county/municipal insurance provisions, with employees paying any remaining costs.

Expands the definition of "retiree" to include retired county and municipal employees and elected officials who participated in the health insurance program for at least 20 years before retirement.

Takes effect July 1, 2018, with the health insurance provisions set to expire July 1, 2021.