SCS/SB 410 - This act modifies Chapter 103, RSMo, Health Plan for State Employees, and requires the Board of Trustees of the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan to notify the State Division of Budget and Planning by August 1 of each year regarding the medical options authorized by the Board and the cost of each option. The Board's recommendations shall be reviewed by an entity designated by the Governor and the entity shall make recommendations about those medical options by September 1 of each year. By October 1 of each year, the Board shall certify the cost of the plan for the following plan year to the State Division of Budget and Planning (HB 197).

A retiree or surviving spouse of a judge or a teacher may become a member of the plan. This portion of the act has an emergency provision.

This act authorizes the Office of Administration to develop a flexible benefit plan for state employees in order to increase choices, maximize equity and deliver benefits in a cost-effective way.

This act further modifies Chapter 103, RSMo. The definition of "Alternative delivery health care program" is modified to include chiropractic physicians, the definition of "Covered benefits" is modified to include chiropractic services, the term "Medical benefits coverages" is added and defined, and the definition of "Provider" is modified to include chiropractic physicians.

This is one of several acts which are intended to implement the recommendations of the Commission on Management and Productivity appointed by the Governor in 1994 to recommend ways to improve the operation of Missouri state government. However, nothing in the text of the act specifically authorizes the implementation of the flexible benefit plan developed by the Office of Administration. RONALD J. LEONE