Legislative Updates: Health Insurance

Senate Bill 1067A (effective January 1, 2020)

On August 16, 2017, Governor Kate Brown signed into law Senate Bill 1067A. The law makes several changes to state government programs and processes to contain costs and reduce future expenses.

The new law includes changes to dual coverage and opt out options for employees covered under another state health plan through the Public Employees Benefit Board (PEBB) or Oregon Educators Benefit Board (OEBB). The changes are effective January 1, 2020.

If your spouse/partner works for the UO, another state university, or any other state agency, the following changes will apply:

Dual Coverage (health plan includes medical, vision and dental)

  • Employees enrolled in a PEBB health plan as a member, will no longer be eligible to enroll as a dependent under another PEBB or OEBB health plan.
  • Children will be eligible for coverage under only one state health plan – either through PEBB or OEBB. They will not be eligible to receive double coverage as a dependent under two PEBB or OEBB health plans.

This change essentially means that employees of a state university or other state agency and their dependents, will only be able to have one health plan within the PEBB or OEBB system.

Opt Out

  • An employee will no longer be eligible to receive “opt out” payments if the employee:
    • Opts out of PEBB medical coverage; and
    • Is enrolled as a dependent under another PEBB or OEBB plan.

This essentially means that employees of a state university or any other state agency will no longer be able to opt out and receive a financial incentive or payment if they are covered on a health plan within the PEBB or OEBB system.

Visit the Oregon Legislative Information website for full text.