by Michael R. Wickline, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

July 24, 2021

The state Board of Finance’s recommendations for no changes in premiums next year for employees and retirees in the state’s health insurance plan for public schools won the approval of the Arkansas Legislative Council on Friday.

The council also approved the board’s recommendations to cut a wellness credit for current employees and create a contribution for employees who don’t participate in the wellness credit.

With no discussion or questions, the Legislative Council voted to approve the finance board’s recommendations for changes next year to the public school health insurance plan. The plan covers more than 100,000 people.

The finance board’s recommendations for next year call for cutting the wellness credit for employees from $50 to $25 a month and creating a $25 monthly contribution for nonparticipants in the wellness program. The board also called for requiring employees to visit their primary care doctors for the wellness credit next year.

Afterward, Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who is a member of the finance board, said Friday that he appreciates the council’s quick approval of the board’s recommendations.

“This will allow teachers to keep more of their paycheck and still keeps the health insurance fund in a safe financial position,” the Republican governor said in a written statement.

Read the full article HERE.

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