Health Benefits Updates - For Informational Purposes Only
Senate Bill 551 - Part-Time Faculty Medical Coverage (with Updates via House Bill 2611)
Overview
- Oregon Legislature - Senate Bill 551: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2023R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/SB0551/Introduced
- Oregon Legislature - House Bill 2611: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2023R1/Measures/Overview/HB2611
- SOU HR Senate Bill 551 Implementation Information: https://inside.sou.edu/hrs/sb551.html
In June of 2021, the State of Oregon passed Senate Bill 551 (SB 551) and modifications were passed in June of 2023 through House Bill 2611 (HB 2611). These bills established a mechanism for part-time faculty who are eligible for PERS or ORP membership during the previous calendar year across one or multiple Oregon higher education institutions to obtain health care. This bill requires that the premium costs be funded at 90% by the home institution; with the employee having a 10% premium cost-share. This is for employee-only coverage and is limited to medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage. This benefit enrollment period will begin in October annually with plan coverage starting on November 1, if all conditions are met. The bill allows the employee to pursue enrollment if they believe they may qualify and provide their home institution evidence of eligibility within a specific time frame. Employees who believe they are eligible for coverage under SB 551 may select any of the Oregon Public Universities and Community Colleges that they are currently working at as their home institution and enroll in medical and prescription coverage offered at that institution.
More information about SB 551 can be found on the SOU SB 551 webpage.
Senate Bill 1067 - Cost Reduction Measures as it Relates to PEBB
This bill is intended to curb state spending and improve government efficiency, as it is estimated to save the State $691 million in total funds when fully implemented. The majority of changes will not take full effect until 2020. Visit the HR SB 1067 webpage for more details.PEBB Dependent Eligibility Review
Starting in November 2017, PEBB will begin reviewing select member-dependent records. The intent of this Dependent Eligibility Review Program is to make sure only those who are eligible are receiving PEBB benefits, which helps keep healthcare costs down. For more info, visit the Dependent Eligibility Review webpage.
