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Committee looking at 'self-insurance' option for state employees

ND Legislature

An interim legislative committee has begun its study of health insurance for state employees.

The Health Care Reform Review Committee will be looking at the state's current plan -- a hybrid between fully-funded and self -funded -- a full-funded plan, or a self-insurance proposal.

That panel was assigned the study, after the 2017 Legislature debated whether the state should go to a self-funding option. Supporters believe it could be a way to control costs.

"That's such a big part of our state budget now," said the committee's chairman, Rep. George Keiser (R-Bismarck). "The Legislature needs to look at it and determine the best approach for the state and our employees."

As originally proposed, the interim committee was to propose a self-insurance plan as a preferred option. That language was vetoed by Gov. Burgum.

"Regardless, this committee is going to do our policy making job, which is to look at the various options -- what are the advantages and disadvantages."

The committee's plan is to make some recommendations to the 2019 Legislature.