Eight teacher, retiree and state employee groups sent a letter to Gov. Nathan Deal asking for more input in their insurance plan, which provides health care to 650,000 Georgians.
The group's letter - obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution - notes that the Georgia House passed a resolution during the 2016 General Assembly session encouraging the agency that runs the State Health Benefit Plan to set up an advisory council made up of beneficiaries.
The board of the Department of Community Health is expected to vote on State Health Benefit Plan coverage for 2017 over the summer.
“Given that decisions for the 2017 SHBP benefit design must be completed soon, we believe it critical for the council to officially be created and members appointed in time to advise the commissioner and board on those decisions,” the letter to Deal said. “We ask for your support in this activity.
“We recognize that you desire to maintain a plan that will meet the needs of the member population while meeting all of the legal and financial requirements.”
The $3 billion State Health Benefit Plan provides medical coverage to about 650,000 teachers, state employees, retirees and their family members.
DCH Commissioner Clyde Reese told the AJC last month that he expects premiums to remain stable for the plan in 2017.
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