Senate committee substitute makes the following changes to 2nd edition.
Amends GS 135-48.20 to add the Director of the Office of State Budget and Management as an ex officio, nonvoting member on the Board of Trustees for the State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees (Board). Clarifies that the State Treasurer will only vote in order to break a tie. Changes the remaining composition of the 10 member Board as follows: two members (was, three) appointed by the Governor for two year terms; two members appointed by the State Treasurer for two year terms; two members (was, three) appointed by the General Assembly upon recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives for two year terms; and two members (was, three) appointed by the General Assembly upon recommendation of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate for two year terms. Adds details concerning requirements and qualifications for all appointees. Makes conforming and technical changes.
Amends GS 135-48.21 to clarify that a majority of the voting members of the Board constitutes a quorum. Requires the Board to meet at least quarterly, upon call of the Chair, or at the written request of three members. Makes other conforming changes. Enacts new GS 135-48.22 to enumerate six powers and duties of the Board, including approving benefit programs, overseeing administrative reviews and appeals, and approving premium rates, co-pays, deductibles, and coinsurance maximums.
Enacts new GS 135-48.33(a), requiring the Board to approve all State Health Plan contracts in excess of $500,000, including contracts with an initial cost less than $500,000 that may exceed that amount during the contract term.
Makes other conforming and clarifying changes.