MS HB17

Expands the definition of "employee" to include active county and municipal employees, including 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, requiring counties and municipalities to contribute an amount equal to what they would pay for coverage under their own insurance programs.

Allows counties and municipalities to pay the state directly an amount equal to the cost they would incur for employee health coverage under existing law (Sections 25-15-101 through 25-15-105), with employees responsible for any remaining premium costs.

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

Takes effect July 1, 2019.