State Health Plan - 2011

State Health Plan - 2011 - 2012

Insurance Planners, Carriers & Changes

State Comptroller Kevin Lembo Answered Council 400 Retirees Members' Health Plan Questions at Our September Meeting

For more than 20 years, the unions in the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) have participated in a joint labor-management process to manage the State Health Plan. The Health Care Cost Containment Committee, which includes representation from CSEA, chooses the carriers for active and retired state employees' medical, dental, and prescription drugs each year.

The committee also assists the Office of the State Comptroller in coordinating the annual health insurance "Open Enrollment," during which time members can make changes in their health coverage. This year's open period took place between August 22 and September 15.

SEBAC is statutorily responsible for negotiating any changes to the plan that impact active or retired state employees, and often advocates for improvements in access. In 2008, union leaders pushed for a new law requiring group health plans in Connecticut to provide access for unmarried children up to the age of 26.

In 2009 the coalition agreed to a new 3-tier pharmacy co-pay structure for active employees and future retirees that achieved long-term savings and greater stability for the plan.

After years of advocacy, in 2011 union leaders proposed a comprehensive patient wellness initiative during discussions that produced an extension of the current health and pension benefits structure through 2022. The new Health Enhancement Program (HEP) is projected to save more than $205 million over the next two fiscal years -- and promises to deliver improved health outcomes.

Healthcare Planners & Resources

Active State employee Healthcare Option Planner (with HEP information - August 2011)
Retired State employee Healthcare Option Planner (August 2011)