Grants employee discretion over coverage for dependents

Title of bill

An act to amend the civil service law, in relation to granting employee's discretion over coverage for dependants

Purpose

To allow state employees the option of selecting health coverage for solely him or herself and his or her spouse.

Summary of provisions

Section 1. This bill amends Section 164 of the civil service law to allow state employees the option of selecting health insurance coverage for solely him or herself and his or her spouse.

Section 2. Effective date.

Justification

Currently state employees covered for health insurance under the Empire plan are limited to coverage for either themselves as an individual or a family plan covering both spouses and dependents. In order for employees to obtain coverage for a spouse, they must select the family plan which includes all dependents. This bill will provide employees an option to obtain coverage for a two person household, the employee and his or her spouse.

State employees' health insurance coverage is paid through contributions by New York State and the employee him or herself. The creation of a coverage option that's limited to an employee and his or her spouse will save the State and the employees money by the reduced cost of insurance.

Legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Local fiscal implications

EFFECTIVE DATE : This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have become law.