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An Act Regarding Health Insurance Options for Town Academies
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas,  this legislation must take effect before the expiration of the 90-day period to ensure retired employees of academies approved for tuition purposes may retain their health insurance; and
Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 5 MRSA §285, sub-§1, ¶G, as amended by PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. XX, §2 and amended by PL 2007, c. 58, §3, is further amended to read:
 
G. Subject to subsection 1-A, employees in any of the categories denominated in paragraphs A to F-1 and, paragraph F-3 and paragraph L who:
 
(1) On April 26, 1968, have retired and who were covered under group health plans that by virtue of Public Law 1967, chapter 543 were terminated;
 
(2) After April 26, 1968, retire and who on the date of their retirement are currently enrolled in this group health plan as employees;
 
(3) After December 2, 1986, and after reaching normal retirement age, cease to be members of the Legislature and are recipients of retirement allowances from the Maine Public Employees Retirement System based upon creditable service as teachers, as defined by section 17001, subsection 42. This paragraph also applies to former members who were members on December 2, 1986;
 
(4) After December 2, 1986, and not yet normal retirement age, cease to be members of the Legislature and are recipients of retirement allowances from the Maine Public Employees Retirement System based upon creditable service as teachers, as defined by section 17001, subsection 42. This paragraph also applies to former members who were members on December 2, 1986; or
 
(5) After January 1, 1999, terminate employment under which they were eligible for the group health plan but do not retire at that time and who satisfy the requirements of subsection 1-A, paragraph D or paragraph E;
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
 
SUMMARY
This bill makes a retired employee of an academy approved for tuition purposes in accordance with the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, sections 2951 to 2955 eligible for coverage under the group health plan available to state employees and other eligible persons.