SENATE HEALTH CARE BILL

This is to inform NARFE members about a victory on health care reform legislation.

This protective language was added by the Senate leadership in response to concerns raised by NARFE and federal-postal organization allies regarding a proposal that would have the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) play a significant role in national health care reform -- partially administering a health care delivery system consisting of at least two national, private nonprofit insurance plans.

The following FEHBP protections will be added to the bill through the “manager’s amendment” which includes the OPM-administered “multi-state” health plans .

• Premiums of FEHBP and the proposed OPM-administered multi-state plans would be calculated in separate risk pools.

• The OPM Director would be required to ensure that the multi-state plans are administered separately from the FEHBP.

• FEHBP insurance carriers would not be required to offer coverage through the multi-state program.

• The OPM Director may establish separate units or offices within the agency to ensure that the administration of the multi-state plans do not interfere with the effective administration of FEHBP.

• The OPM Director may not allocate fewer financial or personnel resources to the agency’s administration of FEHBP.

• The OPM Director may appoint additional personnel to carry out the administration of multi-state plans.

Senators voted 60-39 to accept the manager's amendment around 8 AM Tuesday, December 22, clearing the way for one remaining procedural vote on Wednesday, December 23 and a final vote on the legislation Thursday, December 24.