Audit expects to force thousands of dependents off Georgia health plan
The state is expecting that an audit will show about 4 percent of Georgians on the State Health Benefit Plan shouldn’t be on the rolls.
The plan covers about 630,000 teachers, state employees, retirees and their dependents. The state is auditing eligibility in hopes of saving money.
Elizabeth K. Brady, chief financial officer of the Department of Community Health, told the agency’s board this week that about 4 percent of dependents on the plan are expected to be removed from the rolls based on the eligibility audit’s findings. The audit is not yet complete.
Brady said cutting those dependents would save the plan $17.6 million this fiscal year, which ends June 30, and about $30 million in the next few years.
The department did a similar eligibility audit a little more than a decade ago that resulted in the suspension or termination of benefits for 30,000 dependents.
The $3 billion health insurance plan’s finances have improved the past few years, with DCH officials projecting a $400 million surplus for 2016.
Brady’s presentation to the board shows a surplus for the plan until 2019, when she said it would run a $132 million deficit if no further changes are made to the coverage.
About the Author
James Salzer has covered state government and politics in Georgia since 1990. He previously covered politics and government in Texas and Florida. He specializes in government finance, budgets, taxes, campaign finance, ethics and legislative history
