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MississippiSB 26992026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

State Health Plan; extend repealer on authority of board to collect premium payments from participants in.

Sponsored By: J. Walter Michel (Republican)

Signed by Governor

InsuranceAppropriations A

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

State pays health premiums for public workers

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state pays 100% of health insurance for active full‑time workers first hired before January 1, 2006. For hires on or after that date, the state pays 100% of a basic plan; you may pay for upgrades. This same rule covers K‑12 staff who work at least 20 hours, regular nonstudent bus drivers, community college staff, and public library staff (through the Library Commission). The state’s share is reduced when allowable federal funds help. Any remaining cost not paid by the state must be paid by participating employees and taken from pay; districts may add local funds.

Retiree insurance premiums and surcharges

Beginning July 1, 2026, if you elect state retiree life or health insurance, the full monthly cost is taken from your Mississippi retirement check; if it is too small, you are billed. The board may add a surcharge up to 15% for participating retirees under Medicare age first hired before January 1, 2006. For participating retirees under Medicare age first hired on or after that date, the board may set an actuarial surcharge to cover the full cost.

State pays half of life insurance

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state pays 50% of the cost of the group life insurance for active full‑time employees. You pay the other 50%.

Possible $20 monthly fee for public employees

Beginning July 1, 2026, the board may charge active full‑time employees up to $20 per month to help fund the plan. The board decides if and how much to charge, but it cannot exceed $20 each month.

Premium collection rules and fund changes

Beginning July 1, 2026, the board keeps its authority through July 1, 2030 and decides how to collect premiums from agencies, schools, colleges, and libraries. You can buy dependent coverage and have premiums taken from your pay; money goes to a special state fund to pay claims. The board may charge late fees and interest for late premium payments. An Insurance Reserve Fund is created and invested under strict limits; interest supports the insurance fund. If a public library fails to pay on time, the Library Commission must stop disbursements after board notice.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • J. Walter Michel

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 173 • No: 0

House vote • 3/4/2026

Passed

Yes: 121 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/10/2026

Passed

Yes: 52 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor

    3/13/2026legislature

  2. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/9/2026Senate

  3. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/9/2026House

  4. Returned For Enrolling

    3/6/2026House

  5. Motion to Reconsider Tabled

    3/6/2026House

  6. Motion to Reconsider Entered (Turner, Arnold)

    3/4/2026House

  7. Passed

    3/4/2026House

  8. Title Suff Do Pass

    3/3/2026House

  9. DR - TSDP: AP To IN

    3/3/2026House

  10. DR - TSDP: IN To AP

    2/26/2026House

  11. Referred To Insurance;Appropriations A

    2/13/2026House

  12. Transmitted To House

    2/11/2026Senate

  13. Passed

    2/10/2026Senate

  14. Title Suff Do Pass

    2/3/2026Senate

  15. Referred To Insurance

    1/19/2026Senate

Bill Text

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