Bill: HB 2127, 83(R) - 2013

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral

Author(s)

Donna Howard

Bill Caption

Relating to the eligibility of certain employees of public institutions of higher education to participate in a state group benefits program.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. ERS estimates that the bill would make an additional 1,250 adjunct faculty members eligible for the GBP, and that the newly eligible population would have the same HealthSelect participation rate as those currently enrolled, providing for an increase of approximately 135 participants. Although the full contribution would be paid by the qualified individuals seeking coverage, ERS estimates that adverse selection would increase the average cost of coverage, which would increase state and member contribution rates. It is anticipated that these increases could be absorbed within existing program resources.

Bill Analysis

Summary: HB 2127 would expand the Group Benefits Program (GBP) eligibility requirements under the Employees Retirement System (ERS) for university adjunct professors by allowing an adjunct employee who teaches in the fall and spring semesters for one year. Under current law, eligibility restarts if an employee does not teach in the fall and spring semesters of each year for three consecutive years. The legislation would include librarians as adjunct faculty since they are currently excluded due to not teaching. The Legislative Budget Board anticipates that there would be 1,250 faculty members eligible for GBP and 135 would participate in the HealthSelect participation rate. Lastly, the Actuarial Impact Statement states: "The bill, if enacted, will not have an actuarial effect on any public retirement system because it does not propose to change their benefit structure, funding or obligations."

Analysis: HB 2127 changes health insurance options for university adjunct professors by making them eligible for a plan they do not currently qualify for. The participants would be responsible to pay the full amount for their premiums so this expands health insurance options for these professors without adding costs to the government.

Source URL (retrieved on 04/16/2024 04:04 AM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/83r/hb2127?print_view=true