SB2358 Summary

• Expands North Dakota's uniform group insurance program to include permanent and temporary employees of private sector employers, and uninsured individuals ages 50-64 who are state residents.

• Board must apply for federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act exempt status to implement the expansion and may use medical underwriting and risk-adjusted premiums for new participant groups.

• Adds a new subgroup for "private sector employee and private citizen group medical and hospital benefits coverage" to the existing insurance program structure.

• Private sector employers must commit to a minimum 60-month participation period or pay the board for expenses exceeding income; employers determine their contribution level toward employee premiums.

• Appropriates $300,000 from insurance premiums and donations to the Public Employees Retirement System for expansion purposes for the 2011-2013 biennium and authorizes three additional full-time positions.