SB 1291 - This act requires state employees to contribute a percentage of their annual income toward their health insurance coverage beginning in fiscal year 2005. The coverage will be Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan's premium plan option and will be based on the employee's annual salary. If the employee's plan is not the lowest cost plan, the state will contribute the amount of the lowest cost premium or the full amount of the premium plan, whichever is less. If no plan option is available, the rates will be applicable to coverage under the co-pay plan. Moneys shall be appropriated by the General Assembly in the fiscal year 2005 budget to cover the cost of reimbursing employees for the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan premiums paid by employees between January 1, 2004 and June 30, 2004, which exceed the premium amount that they would have paid had the act been in effect. This act contains an emergency clause. This act is identical to HB 473 (2003). LORIE TOWE