Employer Contribution Rates Remain the Same and Approval of DCH Budget

The board voted to keep employer contribution rates at their current levels for 2015 which includes holding off on the planned third consecutive year of increases for noncertified employees. The board also voted to approve an amended FY14 budget and FY15 budget. Included in the FY15 SHBP budget are coverage for children's hearing aids, an increase in funds for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), and a statement that the board shall contract with multiple statewide and regional vendors for any SHBP plan offered next year. 

DCH 2014 Legislative Summary

The meeting also included a legislative wrap-up for the 2014 legislative session. The following bills passed and impact SHBP:

• HB 490, sponsored by Rep. Timothy Barr (R-Lawrenceville), expands the definition of public school teacher and public school employee to include employees of GA Military College and librarians employed not less than 30 hours a week. 
• HB 511, sponsored by Rep. Katie Dempsey (R-Rome), provides for a pilot program to cover bariatric surgery. 
• SB 98, sponsored by Senator Judson Hill (R-Marietta), contains the Federal Abortion Mandate Opt-Out. 
• SB 281, also sponsored by Senator Hill, requires a high deductible health care plan with a health savings account for state employees. 

For more detailed information from the meeting, CLICK HERE.