SB137 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Shay ShelnuttSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Former legislators, timeframe when eligible to obtain state health insurance after term ends, increased, Sec. 36-29-15 am'd.

Summary

This bill would extend the period former Alabama legislators can stay on the state health insurance plan after their term ends from 36 months to 60 months.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, former legislators and the Lieutenant Governor (and their dependents) could continue coverage under the State Employees' Health Insurance Plan for up to 60 months after their term ends, instead of 36. The premiums would be paid by the individuals themselves. It keeps existing rules on preexisting conditions, including a 12-month look-back with a carve-out for certain enrollments, and directs the State Employees' Insurance Board to create the necessary rules to administer the changes.

Who It Affects

• Former members of the Alabama Legislature and the Lieutenant Governor (and their dependents) who would be eligible to continue health insurance coverage for up to 60 months after term ends.
• The former legislators and the Lieutenant Governor themselves, who would be responsible for paying their own health insurance premiums.

Key Provisions

• Increases the eligibility period to 60 months for former legislators and the Lieutenant Governor to continue State Employees' Health Insurance Plan coverage after term expiration.
• Premiums for coverage must be paid by the individual legislator and the Lieutenant Governor.
• Preserves preexisting condition rules, including a 12-month coverage look-back, with a carve-out for enrollments within 30 days of April 23, 1990 or within 30 days of the beginning of any calendar year thereafter.
• Authorizes the State Employees' Insurance Board to promulgate and adopt rules necessary to implement the provisions of this section and sets the act's effective date as the first day of the third month after passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Legislature