Video & Transcript Research : 'retiree coverage'
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NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:17:57.239>
the from offering the medical coverage the from offering the medical coverage - coverage.
- Our retiree benefits were self-insured products, in line with our other medical coverage.
- <01:33:36.000>
that dollars a month for the retirees that dollars a month for the retirees - <01:33:44.719>
through positive uh praise from retirees through positive uh praise from retirees
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It affected approximately 23% of retirees there.
- A 3.4% estimate we have for retiree growth. John Posey: ...
- It was about us retirees' need for a cost of living increase.
- The basic point is that when the state increases pensions for retirees, state retirees, it benefits the
- Carol Fuchs: ... only 25% of ERS retirees will be eligible.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Creating the Educator Group Insurance Program (Part 2) 2/26/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Not only are premiums going up, but coverage is getting worse.
- <00:04:56.080>
is premiums going up, but coverage is premiums going up, but coverage is getting - family, $39,000 for every employee who's currently ineligible and chooses to move to family coverage
- , and $14,000 for every employee that's currently ineligible and chooses to move to single coverage.
- family, $39,000 for every employee who's currently ineligible and chooses to move to family coverage
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Employee Benefits Programs Committee May 7th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Employee Benefits Programs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- If those pass, those get added to the coverage and then whatever coverage ends up being final after legislative
- fully insured coverage and self-insured arrangements.
- So that is what someone, what the family coverage costs and what the single coverage costs.
- Those are the types of coverage we're looking to add.
- Some that are asking for those additional coverages.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Employee Benefits Programs Committee May 7th, 2026
Employee Benefits Programs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- If those pass, those get added to the coverage and then whatever coverage ends up being final after legislative
- So that is what someone, what the family coverage costs and what the single coverage costs.
- Those are the types of coverage we're looking to add.
- There was one other state that I believe had 100% for individual coverage. 100% for individual coverage
- Some that are asking for those additional coverages.
Summary:
The Employee Benefits Committee met to hear presentations on state employee health insurance, compensation, leave policies, labor market conditions, and prevailing wage issues, then later took up committee rules and bill-draft jurisdiction. PERS reviewed the history and structure of the state health plan, noting the state has paid the full family premium since 1979, described cost-control and benefit-enhancement changes over time, and explained current plan options, wellness incentives, employer wellness discounts, and the upcoming bid process for the 2027-29 contract. HRMS then presented compensation comparisons showing state classified pay generally trails private and regional markets, with larger gaps at higher-level jobs, and reviewed benefits and leave policies, including the new enhanced annual leave and new-hire leave, the state’s unpaid family leave structure, and varying tuition reimbursement practices. Job Service reported on labor force trends, low unemployment, high labor force participation, job openings, and wage growth, and OMB said there are no state prevailing-wage requirements beyond federal Davis-Bacon rules for federally funded projects.
The committee then considered a proposed amendment to Joint Rule 211 to better align the health insurance mandate review process with recent statutory changes. Members discussed how the rule should reference both the committee’s required actuarial reports and the Legislative Council cost-benefit analysis, and the amendment was adopted on a roll call vote. The committee also discussed how its jurisdiction decisions affect whether a bill draft receives actuarial analysis, with staff explaining that a decision not to take jurisdiction means the bill is not treated as impacting the relevant retirement or health plans for purposes of that analysis.
After that, the committee began reviewing bill drafts for jurisdiction. The first draft, bill draft 33, would automatically renew pre-tax elections for dental and vision coverage during open enrollment instead of requiring annual re-election. Members debated whether it had any actuarial impact, noting the state does not pay those premiums directly, and the discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 35 (2-26-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 00:56:51.520>
not >> Gentlemen, the retirees have not >> Gentlemen, the retirees have - lie for the retirees in this budget? lie for the retirees in this budget?
- paycheck for state retirees. Thank you. paycheck for state retirees. Thank you.
- for coverage. for coverage.
- and retirees who receive health<02:43:47.040>
insurance <02:43:47.439>coverage <02:43:48.000
Summary:
The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved into committee and floor reports. Several measures received favorable committee reports and were ordered to first reading and placed on the calendar, including Current Resolution 9, Senate Joint Resolution 23, House Bill 145, House Bill 567, and House Bill 506 with House Committee Substitute 1. The chamber also noted that House Bills 500 and 504 had already received two readings and were sent to the Rules Committee before House Bill 500 was brought up for final consideration.
Most of the discussion focused on House Bill 500, the executive branch budget bill. Members described it as a “good first draft” and emphasized a budget process they said was more transparent than in prior years. The bill was presented as a restrained two-year operating budget with spending growth kept at a little under 2% annually, while setting aside about 2% of projected revenues, or roughly $614 million, in the Budget Reserve Trust Fund for future needs. The budget also used base reductions in some areas while exempting others such as Medicaid benefits, SEEK, corrections, behavioral health, and veterans programs.
Subcommittee chairs then outlined major spending areas. Education provisions included a 2% annual increase in base SEEK funding, transportation funding held flat, equalization for recallable nickel funding, continued retirement contributions, and major support for postsecondary access, dual credit, asset preservation, and workforce training. Health and family services provisions held Medicaid steady while adding waiver slots, behavioral health and substance use support, public health investments, and funding for rural health and laboratory capacity. Other sections covered personnel and pensions, veterans services, infrastructure, public safety, economic development, tourism, and environmental projects.
The only recorded action on the floor was adoption of House Committee Substitute 1 to House Bill 500, followed by a motion for final passage of the bill as amended. The transcript ends as discussion on final passage begins, before any final vote is shown.
NJ
New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Appropriations Jun 24th, 2026
Senate Budget and Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for the coverage of telling your story. We appreciate that for your coverage here today.
- The coverage of telling your story. We appreciate that for your coverage here today. Thank you.
- ...coverage, presuming that town doesn’t have police coverage, which district’s actually picking up the
- When you lend from the retiree account, you risk its insolvency.
- , that the state will fund the reserve account for retirees.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Extending aspects of the state's reinsurance program 3/5/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The second is whether or not the legislature incorporates mandates into future coverage.
- >
for coverage, health insurance coverage for coverage, health insurance coverage for their<00 - , retirees, retirees, but<00:14:49.279>
it <00:14:49.519>is <00:14:49.600>also <00 - <00:15:11.839>
this members already provide coverage this members already provide coverage - traditional coverage harder to sustain. traditional coverage harder to sustain.
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3388, and an A1 amendment was adopted by voice vote. The bill, as amended, would direct the Department of Commerce to seek another federal waiver to continue Minnesota’s reinsurance program and preserve the assessment-and-tax-credit funding model adopted last session. Chair O’Driscoll said the measure is intended to give future legislators options before the current reinsurance structure ends, warning that without it individual-market premiums could rise substantially and more people could lose coverage.
Testimony was largely supportive. Dan Andre of the Minnesota Council of Health Plans said reinsurance has been a success since 2018, has lowered premiums by covering a portion of high-cost claims, and helped subsidize care for more than 5,000 Minnesotans in 2024. Ann New Brindley of the Minnesota Business Partnership and Steven Rubis of the Health Plan Partnership of Minnesota also backed the bill, saying market stability is important amid the loss of federal premium tax credits and that continued reinsurance would help prevent further premium increases and cost shifting. Jonathan Carter of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce likewise supported the bill, citing the program’s role in keeping Minnesota’s individual-market premiums among the lowest in the country.
Members also discussed how the assessment and tax-credit mechanism works, with Chair O’Driscoll describing it as an assessment on plans followed by a tax credit against state liability. Representative Elkins questioned how insurers self-assess, and Representative Smith said the assessment model is preferable to a general-fund approach if the program continues. Representative Kaggel raised concerns about taxpayer costs and the broader health care system, while also saying the current system is unsustainable and in need of more fundamental change. The committee then renewed the motion to lay House File 3388, as amended, over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to be really clear that this bill does not mandate any coverage of new benefits.
- I want to be really clear that this bill does not mandate any coverage of new benefits.
- I want to be really clear that this bill does not mandate any coverage of new benefits.
- consequences when such said plan is such a big company and is providing such a large amount of the coverage
- consequences when such said plan is such a big company and is providing such a large amount of the coverage
Keywords:
common interest community, CIC, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, planned community, cooperative, unit owner, association board, declarant, declarant control, special declarant rights, assessment lien, foreclosure, late fees, fines, attorney fees, resale disclosure, annual report, maintenance plan
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- preparation for adult living and what it's going to do is it updates the from 23 to 26, that regards coverage
- Medicaid coverage. Many find themselves unable to afford crucial treatments. like a CRO.
- House Bill 4226, which would mandate Medicaid coverage of craniovermolding orthoses in Texas.
- Medicaid policy does not provide coverage for a non-surgical correction of plagiocephaly.
Bills:
HB2646, HB3941, HB5153, HB5155, HB5394, HB 1106, HB426, HB4529, HB3984, HB4273, HB 1097, HB3940, HB1941, HB4377, HB3153
Keywords:
child care, task force, high-quality care, affordability, prekindergarten partnerships, foster care, transitional living, Medicaid reform, youth assistance, independent living, services for youth, employment training, educational support, mental health services, health care, public health, child health program, reimbursement, local health entities, maternal health
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently, many Texas newborns are falling through the cracks and not getting timely care. timely health coverage
- House Bill 3940 improves access to newborn health coverage and care by providing necessary information
- this bill is not going to solve the issue of newborns not being automatically enrolled into the coverage
Bills:
HB2646, HB3941, HB5153, HB5155, HB5394, HB 1106, HB426, HB4529, HB3984, HB4273, HB 1097, HB3940, HB1941, HB4377, HB3153
Keywords:
child care, task force, high-quality care, affordability, prekindergarten partnerships, foster care, transitional living, Medicaid reform, youth assistance, independent living, services for youth, employment training, educational support, mental health services, health care, public health, child health program, reimbursement, local health entities, maternal health
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Keywords:
mental health, emotional disturbance, terminology update, statutory cleanup, conforming amendments, children's mental health, serious mental illness, severe emotional disturbance, case management, residential treatment, outpatient services, crisis services, health plan coverage, antipsychotic drugs, medical assistance, Medicaid, foster care, juvenile court, school discipline, county board
LA
Bills:
HB37, HB51, HB173, HB180, HB192, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB485, HB516, HB521, HB526, HB638, HB752, HB817, HB976, HB1006, HB1044
Keywords:
HB37, expropriation, eminent domain, property rights, foreign entity, foreign corporation, limited liability company, LLC, reciprocal expropriation agreement, Louisiana property law, land acquisition, utility infrastructure, public utilities, railroad, waterworks, sewerage, natural gas pipeline, electric utility, telecommunications, carbon dioxide pipeline
LA
Bills:
HB288, HB403, HB420, HB783, HB815, HB915, HB927, HB933, HB944, HB962, HB971, HR74, SCR3, SCR20, SB5, SB34, SB37, SB190, SB255, SB270, SB273, SB314, SB415
Keywords:
medical terminology, documentation, miscarriage, spontaneous abortion, healthcare, medical records, billing, homemade food, food safety, small business, exemption, regulation, Department of Children and Family Services, background checks, child welfare, employee screening, safety regulations, criminal history, non-lactational dairy, labeling requirements
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 91, an act relating to health insurance coverage by out-of-state insurers.
- House Bill 164, an act related to coverage for hearing aids and related services.
- House Bill 164, an act related to coverage for hearing aids and related services.
- House Bill 169, an act relating to coverage for feeding or eating disorders.
- House Bill 169, an act relating to coverage for feeding or eating disorders.
Keywords:
Video Starts 00:00
Convene 01:02
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 07:51
Stand at Ease 11:46
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 26:33
Adjournment 46:41, 958, all
Summary:
The House convened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 98 members present. The chamber approved the journal from January 6, excused absent members, and suspended the rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. No committee reports, second readings, or orders of the day were needed.
During announcements, a member invited colleagues to a Welcome Back to Frankfurt reception and the House adopted a citation honoring Michael Dean Hilton, with remarks noting his long career in Kentucky politics and lobbying. The House also adopted a citation recognizing Hank Parker. The clerk reported a large number of new filings, including House Bills 35 through 230 and several resolutions and constitutional amendments covering topics such as education, taxes, health care, firearms, housing, labor, elections, agriculture, public safety, and retirement systems.
Among the measures introduced were bills on scholarship eligibility, respiratory care, retirement benefits, alcohol licensure, public notices, school curriculum, privacy protection, medical billing, housing, firearms-related issues, Medicaid expansion, cannabis, wage transparency, and healthcare price transparency. Resolutions included one recognizing election principles in Kentucky, one honoring victims of UPS Airlines Flight 2976 and responders, and others on political violence, memorial highways, law enforcement support, and ALS awareness. No substantive votes on legislation occurred beyond the citation adoptions and routine procedural approvals, and the House adjourned until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement - 03/17/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- particular potential retiree. particular potential retiree.
- , back someone in that role as a retiree, back someone in that role as a retiree, they<00:15:27.160
- Section 1 revises MSRS's coverage Section 1 revises MSRS's coverage positions<00:39:54.960>
to - coverage by the fire marshal subplan. coverage by the fire marshal subplan.
- >
for and instead requires coverage for and instead requires coverage for members<00:41:00.080
Summary:
The commission first approved the minutes and then took up several pension omnibus items. Representative Rapinski’s item, related to an I-RAP issue, was moved ahead of the agenda and passed without further information after members noted the State Board of Investment and Minnesota State had not identified additional facts; the bill, as previously amended, was recommended for inclusion in the 2026 Pension Omnibus Bill. The committee also corrected a procedural issue on Senator Gustafson’s bill, SF 3897/HF 3703, after realizing an amendment referenced earlier belonged to a different bill; the motion was restated without the amendment reference and the bill was then recommended to pass and be incorporated into the omnibus bill.
The main policy discussion centered on SF 3897/HF 3703, which would change how terminating firefighter relief association plans value benefits for firefighters under age 50. Senator Gustafson said the current statute can unfairly reduce benefits by requiring present-value discounting and that the bill would instead allow benefits to be based on accrued benefit under the plan formula, while still leaving relief associations flexibility to use present value if they choose. Staff confirmed the bill applies only to relief associations under chapter 424B, not PERA or the statewide plan. Senator Rasmussen raised concerns about consistency between SVF and non-SVF reliefs and about differing treatment on termination; the bill author acknowledged the difference. The committee ultimately voted to recommend the bill for inclusion in the omnibus pension bill.
The final major item was House File 4162, as amended by an A1 amendment, which requires employers of reemployed annuitants in TRA to make employer contributions during reemployment, including Minnesota State Colleges and Universities employees covered under section 354.445. Representative O’Driscoll argued the bill would direct existing education-formula pension dollars to TRA, prevent districts from using those funds elsewhere when retirees are rehired, and keep the employee neutral because the annuitant’s benefit would not change. Supporters said the measure would help pension funding and address situations where districts rehire retired teachers, often in hard-to-fill specialties. Opponents, including Senator Rasmusson, questioned the added cost to school districts, citing an estimated $5.385 million in annual TRA revenue from the change and warning it could reduce districts’ ability to hire or retain staff. After discussion, the committee had not yet taken final action on this item in the portion of the meeting provided.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Apr 2nd, 2025
Banking and Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill... ...yearly limits and coverage. This bill would change that.
- that ...will be able to afford the coverage that is being offered to them.
- As costs go up, fewer will have this important coverage available to them.
- Our specific population includes public employees, their school teachers, and their retirees. ... ...
- school teachers, their retirees, and their dependents.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (02/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- coverage the more expensive<00:25:31.480>
the <00:25:31.640>coverage <00:25:32.080> - All right, next up is 552, relative to coverage of children under the State Retirees Insurance Plan.
- It says in the fiscal note, however, the cost of a dependent's coverage on the retiree plan is $1,044
- They get the coverage.
- So divide that by four; now you're down to $400. plan the retiree because the retiree has plan the retiree
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 733-FN, a bill concerning third-party litigation financing (TPLF). Representative Cole, the prime sponsor, described TPLF as outside investors funding lawsuits in which they have no personal stake, arguing that the practice is largely unregulated, can involve foreign entities, increases litigation abuse, and contributes to higher insurance and consumer costs. He said the bill is modeled on an NCOIL proposal and would require disclosure of TPLF agreements, with guardrails and reporting requirements on specified pages of the bill. He also noted a couple of drafting fixes, including adding the word “knowingly” and incorporating a missing section later.
Members raised questions about the bill’s foreign-entity language, especially the provision allowing a governor or the Department of Safety to designate a country as a threat to critical infrastructure. Representative Cole said he would have lawyers review that issue. Another member asked whether the bill would prohibit a party from obtaining outside funding for a lawsuit; Cole clarified that the bill is intended as a reporting measure, not a ban, and that disclosure would be required. He also said the bill is aimed at American citizens rather than foreign-backed financing, and that some states had considered caps on such arrangements, though this bill does not.
Brandon Gratz of the Attorney General’s office testified that the enforcement language appears too limited, because it would allow only civil penalties and not broader Consumer Protection Act remedies such as injunctions or restitution. He suggested the Attorney General may not have meaningful authority under the bill as written and raised possible insurance-law issues. Commissioner D.J. Benton-Court of the Insurance Department said the disclosure could help insurers better assess risk and potentially soften the hard insurance market by improving transparency, competition, underwriting, innovation, and claims management. He also said the bill likely needs further work on jurisdiction and enforcement, and that the committee may need to coordinate with the Attorney General, Insurance Department, and possibly banking regulators. No vote was taken in the portion provided.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- in that era that have employees retirees in that era that have employees retirees in that era that have
- we still are having funding for retirees we still are having funding for retirees we still are having
- are out into your community and retirees are out into your community and retirees are saying uh we can
- going to hurt some more I'm a retiree going to hurt some more I'm a retiree and I'm a fedal retiree
- and so you know and I'm a fedal retiree and so you know and I'm a fedal retiree and so you know I know
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Employee Benefits Programs Committee May 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- If those pass, those get added to the coverage and then whatever coverage ends up being final after legislative
- fully insured coverage and self-insured arrangements.
- So that is what someone, what the family coverage costs and what the single coverage costs.
- Those are the types of coverage we're looking to add.
- There was one other state that I believe had 100% for individual coverage. 100% for individual coverage
Summary:
The Employee Benefits Committee met to approve prior minutes, hear presentations on state employee health insurance, compensation, leave, and related policy issues, and then recess for lunch. PERS reviewed the history and structure of the state health plan, noting the long-standing state-paid family coverage, cost-control measures, wellness incentives, the current grandfathered PPO and high-deductible options, and the effects of recent benefit mandates such as insulin caps, prosthetic coverage, medication management, prescription copay changes, and ambulance balance-billing limits. Committee members questioned the fiscal impact of adding benefits and the possible cost of moving to a non-grandfathered plan, while PERS and HRMS emphasized that health insurance remains the top-ranked employee benefit and that any major plan changes should be considered carefully. HRMS also presented compensation comparisons showing state pay generally below private-market benchmarks, discussed targeted market equity adjustments, identified ongoing recruitment and retention concerns in fields like nursing, IT, engineering, and attorneys, and reviewed leave policies, tuition reimbursement, and family leave comparisons with neighboring states. Job Service provided labor market data showing low unemployment, high labor force participation, and wage growth that still trails some neighboring markets, and OMB explained that prevailing wage requirements apply to federally funded projects under Davis-Bacon, not to ordinary state contracts.
After lunch, the committee took up the required process for health insurance mandate bills and adopted an amendment to Joint Rule 211. The amendment clarified that the deadline for submitting mandate measures is intended to allow time for all required reports, including both the cost-benefit analysis and any Employee Benefits Committee actuarial report, while leaving the existing deadline unchanged. The amendment was adopted on a roll call vote, with several members voting yes and a few no votes recorded. The committee then moved into its jurisdiction review of bill drafts, beginning with a bill that would automatically renew pre-tax dental and vision elections; members debated whether it had any actuarial or administrative impact on PERS or the state, and the chair explained that the committee’s role was only to decide whether further analysis was needed before later testimony and recommendations.