Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB3117

Introduced
2/21/23  
Refer
2/21/23  
Engrossed
2/22/23  
Refer
2/23/23  

Caption

Appropriation; additional for DFA - Office of Insurance for State and School Employees' Life and Health Insurance Plan, ARPA funds.

Impact

The implications of SB3117 are significant in the realm of state budget priorities, particularly regarding health insurance for state employees. By providing these funds, the state underscores its commitment to ensuring that its employees have access to essential health services. This move is particularly crucial as the state budget continues to navigate the financial impacts of the pandemic, with a focus on meeting health and safety needs. The bill ensures that reimbursements comply with federal guidelines, promoting responsible fiscal management amidst ongoing economic recovery efforts.

Summary

Senate Bill 3117 focuses on an additional appropriation of funds from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund to the Department of Finance and Administration - Office of Insurance. It allocates $30,000,000 to reimburse the State and School Employees' Life and Health Insurance Plan for eligible expenses incurred from March 3, 2021, through June 30, 2024. This funding aims to support state employees and school employees in covering necessary health expenses during a challenging economic period exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB3117 appears generally supportive among legislators who recognize the necessity of maintaining health coverage for state employees during uncertain times. However, there is a sense of vigilance regarding the appropriate use of federal funds and the compliance with existing guidelines. Critics might argue about the long-term sustainability of such funding, but overall, the urgency of supporting health needs has fostered a predominantly positive reception of the bill.

Contention

Key points of contention revolve around the accountability and monitoring mechanisms for the disbursement of funds. The bill mandates that the Department of Finance and Administration thoroughly assess each reimbursement request to ensure compliance with federal regulations. There are concerns about the bill’s provision that none of the appropriated funds can be used for employee premium payments, which may lead to further discussions about the adequacy of health insurance funding for state workers in the future.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB1135

State and School Employees Life and Health Insurance Plan; revise to require state to provide certain for dependents.

MS HB1208

State and School Employees Life and Health Insurance Plan; revise to require state to provide certain for dependents.

MS HB1002

State and School Employees Life and Health Insurance Plan; delete repealer on statute governing premium payments.

MS HB1764

State and School Employees Life and Health Insurance Plan; extend repealer on statute governing premium payments.

MS HF2006

A bill for an act relating to health care coverage of certain nonstate public employees and officials under the state health insurance plan, providing fees, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.

MS SB460

State employee health insurance plan; coverage for prosthetic devices.

MS SB0178

Appropriations: department of insurance and financial services; appropriations for fiscal year 2025-2026; provide for. Creates appropriation act.

MS H8183

Provides for an additional $117,600 to fund the rate increase recommended by the health insurance commissioner.

MS HF716

A bill for an act relating to health care coverage of certain nonstate public employees and officials under the state health insurance plan, and including effective date provisions.

MS HB2250

Making Appropriations For Claims Against The State, Its Officers, Or Its Employees.

Similar Bills

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB0390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1220

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.