MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Insurance

By: Senator(s) Nunnelee

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 25-15-13, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ALLOW ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES TO SIGN UP FOR THE STATE HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN DURING CERTAIN OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIODS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 25-15-13, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

25-15-13. (1) Each eligible employee may participate in this insurance program by signing up for the plan at the time of employment. After acceptance in the plan, the employee may cease his or her participation by filing a specific disclaimer with the board. Forms for this purpose shall be prescribed and issued by the board. All eligible employees will be eligible to participate in this plan on the effective date of the plan or on the date on which they are employed by the state, if later, provided they make the necessary contributions as set out hereunder. Spouses of employees, unmarried dependent children from birth to age nineteen (19), unmarried dependent children who are full-time students up to age twenty-three (23), and physically or mentally handicapped children, regardless of age, are eligible under this plan as of the date the employee becomes eligible.

(2) During the open enrollment periods of March 1 through March 15 and October 1 through October 15 of each year, any eligible employee may sign up for the state employees health insurance plan and shall be accepted in such plan in the same manner, and shall receive the same benefits, as if he had signed up at the time of employment. This subsection (2) shall not apply to the state employees life insurance plan.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1997.