Senate committee hears bill to extend state employee health benefits to legislators

Summary

The Senate Committee on Government Operations reviewed S.164, which would treat legislators as state employees for health benefits including insurance, EAP and FSAs; staff highlighted implementation issues—especially premium collection during unpaid leave—and fiscal scenarios ranging from roughly $1.2 million to several million annually depending on enrollment.

The Senate Committee on Government Operations on Feb. 5 heard testimony on S.164, a bill that would make members of the general assembly eligible for the same state employee health insurance plans, employee assistance program (EAP) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).

Legal counsel Jen Kirby summarized the bill for the committee, saying, "This will be very quick. We're looking at S.164, an act relating to health benefits for members of the general assembly. This bill would make legislators eligible for the same health insurance... and any flexible spending accounts offered to state employees." The summary framed the measure as aligning legislators' benefits with those available to other state employees.

Why it matters: Committee members and agency witnesses focused on how the benefit would be implemented and paid for. DHR and legislative fiscal staff said the policy question intersects with payroll structure, coverage…

Senate committee hears bill to extend state employee health benefits to legislators

Summary

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