Committee hears bill to move PERS health plan to non‑grandfathered ACA coverage; consultant estimates $26.35M biennial cost

The Senate Human Services Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2160, which would require the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) health insurance program for state employees and pre‑Medicare retirees to include Affordable Care Act (ACA) large‑employer mandated coverage by converting the state plan from grandfathered to non‑grandfathered status.

Rebecca Fricki, executive director of the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System, testified in a neutral capacity and outlined likely changes and fiscal impacts. She told the committee the change would add ACA-required benefit provisions — including counting copayments toward out‑of‑pocket maximums, 100% coverage for preventive colonoscopies and contraception, additional well‑child coverage, tobacco…