S2398

	2018 -- S 2398
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	LC004607
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	STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
	IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
	JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2018
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	A N A C T
	RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- HEALTH INSURANCE
	BENEFITS

	Introduced By: Senator Ryan W. Pearson
	Date Introduced: February 15, 2018
	Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services
	It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
1	SECTION 1. Section 36-12-7 of the General Laws in Chapter 36-12 entitled "Insurance
2	Benefits" is hereby amended to read as follows:
3	36-12-7. Eligibility for benefits.
4	(a) All persons in the service of the state on and after July 1, 1960, whether elected,
5	appointed or employed, who elect to participate in an insurance contract or contracts shall be
6	eligible to participate therein. The director, however, with the consent of the insurance company
7	or companies, may by rule or regulation exclude those classes of temporary, part-time, or
8	intermittent employees for whom insurance contracts shall be deemed to be impracticable.
9	(b) The director, with the consent of the insurance company or companies, may authorize
10	the inclusion in insurance contracts of employees of public authorities, full-time employees of
11	organizations representing state employees, or other appropriate agencies of the state as may be
12	designated in the rules or regulations of the director, and may prescribe the rate of contribution
13	required from such participating authorities, or other agencies.
14	(c) Any small employer, as defined in § 27-50-3(kk), may purchase health insurance for
15	its employees through the group plan of health insurance benefits for state employees as selected
16	pursuant to § 36-12-6.

1	SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2019.
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	EXPLANATION
	BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
	OF
	A N A C T
	RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- HEALTH INSURANCE
	BENEFITS
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1	This act would allow small business employers to purchase health insurance for its
2	employees through the state employee group plan.
3	This act would take effect on January 1, 2019.
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